Stephen Michael Nicholson, age 74, died Sunday, June 18, 2023, at Western Missouri Medical Center in Warrensburg, MO.

He was born July 17, 1948, in Clarinda, IA the son of Hobart and Irma (O'Dougherty) Nicholson. He was a 1966 graduate at North Nodaway R-VI High School. He retired from the Air Force as a Master Sergeant after 22 years. He also retired from the City of Warrensburg.

He and Mary Saunders were united in marriage on Mach 22, 1968 in Savannah, MO.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Hobart and Irma Nicholson; a daughter, Wendy Aring; and a grandson, Chase Aring.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Nicholson; one daughter, Stephanie Whaley; a sister, Elizabeth Roush of Louisville, KY; a brother, Kirk (Karen) Nicholson of Ravenwood, MO; and five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at the Missouri Veteran Cemetery in Springfield, MO with full military honors.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Old Drum Animal Shelter and can be left in care of Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home.