Floyd grew up in Goliad, starting his formal musical career in 4th grade with lessons on his Sears & Roebuck cornet. His first “gig” was with a dance orchestra at the age of 12 at Weesatche Hall. He later joined the Goliad High School and Dance Bands. Floyd entered the Navy immediately after graduation with cornet in hand. He served as a ship’s cook on multiple LSTs in the South Pacific. While stationed in New Caledonia, he played for a memorable celebration at the Officers’ Club on V-J Day. After honorable discharge in 1946, he studied music and played in dance bands at Victoria College. There he met his future wife, Evelyn, in the band hall. Floyd earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education at North Texas State and Southwest Texas State University.
Floyd married Evelyn Joyce Friedrichs, the only child of Gene and Libbie (Williams) Friedrichs on September 12, 1950, prior to his last semester at North Texas. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in 2020.
Also known as “Nick”, Floyd began his career as a band director, teaching beginners through seniors, at Ganado High School then Nordheim High School. Later, he was band director at Patti Welder Intermediate School in Victoria, and then taught 6th grade Social Studies there. To further support his growing family, he played trumpet and string bass in numerous dance and polka bands on weekends, including the Patrick Veit Orchestra, the Les Blume Orchestra, Fritz and Hermann Combo, the KNAL Big Band of Victoria, and Lee Roy Matocha Orchestra. He was not only a performer, but also a music arranger for some bands, and the composer of the original Victoria High School alma mater music. He retired from VISD in 1979.
An avid stamp collector all his life, Floyd owned a stamp shop for several years. He loved woodworking, crossword puzzles, family camping trips, and learning about family history. He was an accomplished organic vegetable gardener with a special talent for composting and growing tomatoes. He played trumpet for musical productions, the Victoria Symphony, and the Victoria Community Band. Floyd was a lifetime member of the Victoria Masonic Lodge, and a longtime faithful member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church where he played trumpet in the Praise Ensemble and sang in the choir. He also taught Sunday School and was on the church council.
Floyd is survived by Evelyn Joyce, his loving wife of 70 years; Children: Gordon Nicholson(Jo), Cathy Otto(Ken), Deb Stutsman(Bill), Cheryl Radney(Mark), Michelle Meharg(Paul), Chris Nicholson; Grandchildren: Casey(Staci), Libbie, Jason, Eric, Rachel(Adam), Hannah(Tyler), Adam, David, Matthew; Great-grandchildren: Dylan, Conner, Lorelei, Marshall, Amelia, Jane.
He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings and son, David Paul.
Visitation will be Friday, March 26, 2021 from 9-10 AM at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church with a funeral service at 10 AM. (mask required) Burial to follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery.
Pallbearers are grandsons, Casey Nicholson, Eric Otto, Jason Otto, David Radney, Matthew Radney and Adam Stutsman.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church.
4102 Ben Jordan St. Victoria, Texas 77901
Words of comfort may be shared at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.
