John Herbert "Herb" Nicholson, 92, of Sand Springs passed away at home on Thursday March 21, 2024, after an extended illness with his family and pets at his bedside.

Herb was born on March 8, 1932, in Independence, MO to Oscar Riley and Effie Idella (Arnold) Nicholson.

While attending Blue Springs High School, Herb left school in the 10th grade, lied about his age, claiming he was born in 1930, and joined the US Marine Corp, in 1948 where he trained as a auto mechanic but ended up working on helicopters during the Korea Conflict.  He was discharged on January 19, 1952, at the rank of Sergeant.

In September 1951, Herb married Hellen Marie Kammerich and they had 4 children.

After his military career, Herb helped training former military dogs to work with the Independence MO Police Department, one of only two cities in the US to begin the program.  His love of the German Shepherd breed also began during this time, as he would have several shepherds and other pets over the years.

Herb had been working for Jack Cooper Transportation, and as their lead mechanic, moved his family to Denver CO to open a shop there in 1961.

In 1965, Herb married Althea Fetterolf and gained 4 stepchildren into his family circle.

He gained more stepchildren in 1971 with his marriage to Nada (Scoville) Berg and they adopted a daughter, Sarah.

In total he helped raised 12 children and was a man who always loved and put his Lord and his family first.

Herb spent 14 years in Colorado, before moving to Kentucky, Tennessee, Texas, New Mexico where he worked, played music, and enjoyed acting on a local stage. He then settled in Sand Springs, where he enjoyed reading, watching crime stories, and music.

Survivors include 5 children: Jim Nicholson, Jane Bates, Judi Thomas and her husband, Larry, Jeffrey Nicholson, and Sarah Nicholson; two stepsons, Bryan Berg and his wife, Susan, and Andrew "Andy" Berg and his wife, Vicki; sister-in-law, Martha Nicholson; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and a 6th generation great-great-great-grandchild.

Herb was preceded in death by his wife, Nada; two brothers: Phillip and Riley Nicholson; sister, Bulah Burris and her husband, Russell; stepdaughter, Tia; granddaughter, Tiffany (Thomas) Hale; grandson, James "Jimmy" Nicholson; and daughter-in-law, Susie Nicholson.

Memorial services will be held Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 11 a.m. in the Glory Refuge Church, with his son, Pastor Jim Nicholson officiating.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Mobley-Groesbeck Funeral Service of Sand Springs.