Donald and Shirley Nicholson, Sr.

Donald A. and Shirley A. Nicholson, Sr.

Donald, age 90, passed away Monday, Oct. 30, 2023.  He was born Oct. 17, 1933 in Canton, a son of the late Charles “Pop” and Edna (Houghton) Nicholson, and was a life resident of Magnolia.  Shirley, age 89, passed away Nov. 3, 2023.  She was born April 16, 1934 in Paris, OH, a daughter of the late David and Sylvia (Myers) Fimple, and resided in Magnolia since 1962.  Don retired in 2000 from Sandy Valley Schools, where he was custodian at East Sparta Elementary School.  He was a member of the Magnolia Canal Society and Carpenters Local #2285 in Akron.  Don was a member and former Assistant Fire Chief of Magnolia Fire Dept. and also served as Fire Chief of Robertsville Fire Dept.  He also helped at the Magnolia Drag Strip for many years, and he loved stock car racing with his son.  Don never quit being a fireman, and he and Shirley continually gave of their time and money in their support.  Shirley was well known in the community from various jobs throughout the years, including delivering dry cleaning for Waynesburg Dry Cleaning, selling Avon, waiting tables at Crossroads Restaurant and Julie’s Restaurant in Waynesburg for many years.  She loved playing Bingo and being part of a card club with the girls, Betty, Nancy, and Cathy.  They both are members of Magnolia Methodist Church.

In addition to their parents, Shirley was preceded in death by four sisters and two brothers, and Don was preceded by two brothers.  Don and Shirley are survived by two daughters and one son, Karen Conde, Kim Smith, and Donald and Marguerite Nicholson, Jr.; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, Angela and Jonathan Fleischer and their sons, Jonah and Issac, and Adam Gruber; Don also is survived by a sister, Nellie and Jim Weaver.

Services for both Don and Shirley will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. in the Finefrock-Gordon Funeral Home in Magnolia with Pastor Matthew Garrabrant officiating.  Friends may call Wednesday 5-7 p.m.  Interment will be in Magnolia Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in Don and Shirley’s memory may be made to the Magnolia Volunteer Fire Dept., PO Box 434, Magnolia, OH  44643, Crossroads Hospice, or Aultman Compassionate Care. The family wishes to express their appreciation to Crossroads Hospice and New Dawn Retirement Center for the love and care they gave to “Pappy”, and to the Gables of Canton, Aultman Memorial Four East, and Aultman Compassionate Care, for the love and care they gave to Shirley.  Condolences may be sent to: www.gordonfuneralhomes.com

Gordon (330) 866-9425

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