Richard F. Nickerson, 88, of La Porte, Indiana, passed away Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at Brentwood Assisted Living Center, surrounded by his family.

 

He was born January 30, 1933 in Rolling Prairie, Indiana, the son of Merle Nickerson and Rachel (Bennitt) Nickerson.

 

A lifelong resident of the area, Richard was a graduate of Rolling Prairie High School.  He retired from Howmet after working there over 30 years. Richard served as a County Commissioner for Wills Township for 28 years and drove a Rolling Prairie school bus for more than 20 years.  He farmed all of his life, and loved raising cows for beef.  It was peaceful for him to go into the forest and cut wood or go into the fields to work on a tractor, but he always seemed to lose a tool or two while he was there.  Richard was an avid sports fan, particularly the Chicago Cubs and Bobby Knight's IU basketball teams. He also enjoyed bowling in leagues and watching his kids and grandkids play sports. Richard had a wonderful sense of humor, believed duct tape could fix anything and made the yummiest fudge every year for the holidays. 

 

In 1950, in Georgia, Richard married Janice Unger Nickerson who preceded him in death December 7, 2013.  He was also preceded in death by his parents; 2 adult sons, Bruce and David; 2 infant sons, Richard Jr. and Robert; a brother Robert and 2 sisters Eloise Williamson and Ruth Stombaugh.

 

He is survived by his son, Raymond (Mary) Nickerson of Okarche, OK; two daughters, Carla (Mark) Pahs of Rolling Prairie, IN, Brenda (Brian) Pahs of La Porte, IN; nine grandchildren, Heather, Rachel, Bryanna, Brandon, Ryan, Adam, Meghan, Krystal, Lindsey; several great-grandchildren and 3 great great-grandchildren.

 

Arrangements are being entrusted to Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Ave., La Porte, IN where the family will receive friends Sunday, August 15 from 4-6 p.m. central time.  A Celebration of Richard's Life Funeral Service will be held at the funeral home on Monday August 16, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. central time, with Chaplain Melissa Buche, Dunes Hospice, officiating.  Interment will follow at the Olive Chapel Cemetery, New Carlisle, Indiana.

 

Memorial contributions may be made to Dunes Hospice, 4711 Evans Ave., Valparaiso, IN 46383 or the Alpha 1 Foundation, 3300 Ponce DeLeon Blvd., Coral Gables, FL 33134.

 

Online condolences may be made at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.