Gilbert Franklin "Nick" Nicholson

Gilbert Franklin "Nick" Nicholson Sr., 81, of Owensboro, went to be with the Lord Friday April 10, 2020 at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital. He was born January 8, 1939 in Masontown, WV to the late Thornton and Blanche Smith Nicholson. Nick spent many years keeping himself busy, he was retired from the United States Navy, serving for 20 years, becoming Chief Petty Officer and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He then worked as a machinist in the coal wash department for TVA for 18 years, also as a Millwright for 8 years after that and still found time to work for Reids Orchard delivering for 45 years. Nick was a member of the NRA, Millwrights Local Union # 1076 and the Fleet Reserve. He also had recently been attending Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and was anticipating his first attendance in the opening of their new sanctuary in over a century.

In his spare time from working he enjoyed hunting with his son Duane, watching the New York Yankees, Green Bay Packers, UK basketball, KWC basketball, Jeopardy and old westerns. Nick also found pleasure in gathering pecans, collecting coins and playing Sudoku.

Along with his parents, he was also preceded in death by a son, Frank Nicholson; and eleven brothers and sisters.

Nick is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Jane Sovko Nicholson; a son, Duane (Michelle Hays) Nicholson; two daughters, Kim "Kooks" (John Emberton) Nicholson and Tracey "Boomer" Kimbley all of Owensboro; Kelsey Mae Dillon, whom he raised like a daughter; a sister, Rosie Paynter of Zanesville, OH; seven grandchildren with special mention, Melissa (Jeffery), Megan (Ryan), Zachary and Logan; seven great-grandchildren, Summer, Kelsey, Hunter, Tyler, Aiden, Lily Ann and Ethan; special family in Ohio, Bob, Kara and Sara Turner, also Brad, Tammy, Bradley and Casey Turner and Kyle; several nieces and nephews; and his favorite four-legged friends, his dog Ziggy and cat Zoey.

In compliance with health and public safety directives, Mr. Nicholson's funeral arrangements at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory will be private. Burial will be in Owensboro Memorial Gardens.

A memorial service for Nick will be held at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory, officiated by Brother Tim Royal, at a later date for his family and friends to attend and celebrate his life.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Warrior 180 Foundation at www.warrior180.org.

Memories and condolences for the family of Nick Nicholson may be left at www.glenncares.com