Billy “Don” Nicholson, 83, Kansas City, Kansas passed away March 19, 2023 at home. A visitation will be held 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Thursday, March 23, 2023 and Funeral Service will be Friday, March 24, 2023 at Chapel Hill-Butler Funeral Home, 701 N. 94th Street, Kansas City, Kansas.
Don was born July 16, 1939 in Leavenworth, Kansas and resided in Kansas City, Kansas for many years.
He spent time growing up in southeastern Missouri, Michigan and Kansas City, Kansas. He graduated from Washington high school in 1957.
Don served in the United States Navy for 4 years from 1958 through 1962. He was stationed in San Diego aboard the USS Midway and served time in Japan; one of his fondest memories.
Don married Shirley Jane Morris on March 23rd 1963. He came within 4 days of making his 60th anniversary.
Don had many jobs growing up before and after the navy including such jobs as fueling and de icing planes at the downtown airport, service station work and time working at a drive in theater. He also spent time with his family working a hay baling operation before settling in at Colgate Palmolive in 1963. During the early 70s Don spent some time working with his brother Jerry at Wilson Waters motorcycle shop in KCK. Don worked 30 years with Colgate before retiring in June 1993 a month before his 54th birthday. During his time at Colgate he went through an apprentice program as a machinist; something he was really proud of.
After retirement Don spent a lot of time traveling with his wife. You could usually find him working on his 10 acre home he bought in 1963 and has owned until this day. He enjoyed his ford tractors, spent time bass fishing in tournaments around the middle of the country and enjoyed nhra drag racing with his son. Don was known for his generosity and friendly personality.
Don was preceded in death by; father, Leelan Nicholson, mother, Opal Nicholson, son, Bart Nicholson, brother, Jim Nicholson, sisters, Linda and Carol. He is survived by; wife Shirley Nicholson, Kansas City, Kansas, son, Gary Nicholson, St. Charles, Missouri, sister, Sue and (Tom) Cooney, brother, Jerry Nicholson, Montier, Missouri, uncle, Fred Nicholson (Jolene) and many nieces and nephews.
Contributions/Donations can be made to Kansas City Hospice
