Kenneth E. "Sonny" Nicholson was born to Leland and Esther (Parks) Nicholson on Jan. 17, 1939, in Lincoln, and passed away at his home in Clatonia on April 24, 2025, at the age of 86.
He grew up spending time between Lincoln and Dorchester with his mom and grandparents and is a graduate of Lincoln High. Ken served in the U.S. Navy from 1957 – 1959. He married Linda (Malone) Nicholson on Aug. 24, 1959. They lived in Crete, where their sons, K. Scott and Keith were born. Following the birth of their second son, they moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where their daughter, Kimberley, was born.
Ken and Lin then moved back to Crete. Ken spent many years coaching youth baseball, football and softball and enjoyed his time coaching. Ken worked construction growing up with his stepdad, worked as an auto mechanic and many years as an electrician and wiring phones at Doane College until his retirement. They retired to Cordell, Oklahoma, and enjoyed raising miniature horses. They returned to Nebraska to be close to family and purchased a home in Clatonia. Ken was active in the Clatonia community, Lin passed in 2015 after multiple battles with cancer, Ken remained in Clatonia until his passing.
Ken loved sports and was an avid follower of little league baseball and softball. He enjoyed old westerns, socializing with friends and will be deeply missed by his children and beloved puppy dogs.
Ken is survived by his children, sons, K. Scott (Mae) Nicholson, Keith Nicholson; and daughter, Kimberley (David) Mundil; sister-in-law, Susan Nicholson; grandchildren, Evie (Marcos) Silvas, Laura (Kenny III) McGough, Shelby (Wyatt) Olson, Traci Dowling, Angella (Rory) Farnsworth, April (Ryan) Cruise, Nathan Mundil, Jarad (Ashley) Mundil; as well as seven great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leland and Esther Nicholson; stepdad, Robert M. Nicholson; wife, Linda; brother, Bob; and daughter-in-law, Mary Nicholson.
A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, May 31, at 10:30 a.m. to noon at the VFW Club in Crete, with a lite lunch. Memorial contributions are suggested to Clatonia Fire and Rescue and the Clatonia Community Center.
Arrangements by Lincoln Memorial Park and Funeral Home.
