Gene Nicholas

Gene Nicholas passed away peacefully at home on March 31, 2012. He joined his wife of 63 years, Ruby, who died just this past January. Gene was born on October 21, 1924 in Hancock County, Indiana to Frank and Susan Nicholas. Gene served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1947, stationed at the Panama Canal, the Philippines, and New Guinea. He was honorably discharged after receiving the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Ribbon, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, a Good Conduct Medal, the Army of the Occupation Medal, the World War II Victory medal, and a signed thank you letter from President Truman. Although he always wanted to work in Alaska on the pipeline, he settled in Indiana where he met Ruby Mae Graves. They were married in July 1949. Gene was a devoted member of the First General Baptist Church since 1990 where he volunteered endless hours in countless ways. Gene was extraordinarily resilient and found many passions throughout his life. He obtained his private pilot's license and flew his own plane until a crash landing. Although he walked away, this event ended his flying career. He taught himself to be a furniture upholsterer and TV repairman. He enjoyed driving vacations with his family to many of the National Parks. Gene dedicated himself to hard work and often held more than one job, sometimes walking between jobs every day. He worked for Coca Cola and owned Around the Town Pizzeria in Franklin. When he retired, he was the manager of Adam's A La Carte catering service. In his retirement, Gene was always looking for someone to help. Even in the end, as Hospice came in to care for Ruby and Gene, he always thought someone surely needed assistance more then he did. Gene was devoted to his family and friends and he affected even those whom he met only briefly. Gene is survived by his daughters Dorothy Johnston (Tom), and Becky Roberts (Susan), his grandchildren Steve Spears (Lori), Lisa Bowling (Greg), Laura Reuter (Jim), Tommy Johnston (Stacey), Bobby Clark (Megan), Carrie Morrison (Mike), fifteen great grandchildren, several great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was lovingly cared for, in his last weeks at home, by his great grandson, Jacob Clark. Gene is preceded in death by his sister Ruby Holmes, his brother Paul, his daughter Barbara Clark Shireman, his son Tim Spears (Pauline), his grandson Jeff Spears, and his beloved Ruby. Funeral Services will be held at Flanner and Buchanan-Floral Park, 425 N. Holt Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46222, on Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at 1pm with visitation for friends and family beginning at 11am. Interment will be at Floral Park Cemetery. Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to Vista Care Hospice (6431 South East Street, Indianapolis 46227) who cared for Ruby and Gene with such grace and compassion in their last weeks. You are invited to go to the Guest Book page to pass along your personal message or tell a story. Sincerely, -Your friends at Flanner and Buchanan