Max Willard Nicholson, Sr.

Max Willard Nicholson Sr., 88, of Colby, died Friday, May 15, 2026. He was born on December 10, 1937, in Winchester, VA, to Ephriam and Elizabeth Nicholson. Max attended high school at Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, VA and was the highest-ranking cadet as Cadet Major his senior year. He then served in the United States Airforce. After the service, he attended the Virginia Polytechnic Institute in Blacksburg, VA and graduated in 1964. Max then worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company for 33 years.

Max, or “Nick” as many knew him, married Dixie Hilliard on September 2, 1960, and to this union two sons were born, Max Jr. and Steven. He enjoyed following the kids’ sports activities and served as an assistant Boy Scout Leader. He also loved animals, especially Boston Terriers. In his spare time, you could find Max fishing, refinishing furniture and most often wood carving. He started carving slowly but became very proficient, eventually carving intricate human figures.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Richard (Leona) Nicholson, Nora Pearl (Arless) Kesseeker, Clifford Sheridan (Betty) Nicholson and Gertrude Willow (Alfred) Clark; and several nieces and nephews.

Max is survived by his wife, Dixie; sons, Max Williard Nicholson Jr. (Tana) and Steven Hilliard (Ericka) Nicholson; grandchildren, Olivia Dane Nicholson, Ellie Morgan Deckert, Leonard Wentz, and Max Willard Nicholson, III; 15 nieces and nephews, 18 great nieces and nephews and 21 great-great nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will take place at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery in WaKeeney, KS followed by fellowship and snacks at the Quinter Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Prairie Senior Living Center and mailed in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com