VIRGIL M. NICHOLSON
Dr. Virgil Marion Nicholson, age 91, of Springfield , MO passed away Monday, July 18, 2011, at Cox Walnut Lawn.
He was born May 31, 1920, in Hill City , KS to Joseph and Rita (Shepherd) Nicholson. He grew up on a family farm in Kansas , but during the dust bowl years, his family moved to Colorado where he graduated from Fruita High School in 1938. Within the next two years, the entire family was saved through the influence of the local Assembly of God Church. Sensing God’s call, in 1940 he went to Southwestern Bible Institute (now Southwestern Assemblies of God University) in Waxahachie , TX . Later, he was ordained in 1958 with the North Texas District Council of the Assemblies of God.
After graduation in 1943, he married Mildred Mae Brinkley, and immediately following, they joined friends, Joe and Lavinial Adams, in evangelistic work, providing the music for the Adams Evangelistic Party. From 1944-46, they worked with Fred and Ethel Smith in establishing a new church in Rustin, LA. Taking advantage of an opportunity for more education, they attended Louisiana Tech in Rustin and were the only married couple enrolled. This was an opportunity to obtain more musical training. In 1946, their first daughter, Marilyn was born. Soon after, they were called to Huttig , AR to pastor a small church.
In 1947, he was invited to become a member of the music faculty at Southwestern Bible Institute (now Southwestern Assemblies of God University). Before the school term began, he took a summer job in Dragerton , UT working in the coke ovens. Mildred gave him a second daughter, Joy, in September and Mildred’s brother, John, drove Mildred, Marilyn, and two-week-old Joy to Waxahachie to join Virgil, as he had already started the school year.
Following the first year of teaching, he returned again to Utah for summer work. There were no summer salaries at that time. In 1949, a third daughter, Judy was born and they continued to live in Waxahachie for a total of 16 years. During these years, he taught stringed instruments and led a string band that played in area churches, representing the college. Those were the years when playing guitar and/or accordion were important instruments of worship. He also continued his education, and completed a Doctorate in Education with a major in college teaching from North Texas State University in 1961.
In 1963 he joined the faculty at Evangel College (now Evangel University ) teaching primarily sociology and education, where he remained until his retirement in 1987. During his years at Evangel, he was head of the Department of Education and spearheaded the accreditation during some of the formative years at Evangel. He influenced the lives of many students during the 40 years of his teaching career and remembered many by name.
During his retirement years, he enjoyed spending time with family, gardening and traveling. He continued to play guitars and harmonica, and sang with the Senior Choirs at Central Assembly of God. He was a member at Central AG since 1963.
He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters: Margie Gross, Clara Miracle, and Erma Sparks; one daughter, Joy Maynard.
He is survived by his wife Mildred Brinkley Nicholson; daughters and spouses: Marilyn and Tonny Wolfe, Mark Maynard I, Judy and Wayne Werner; eight grandchildren and spouses: Heather and Ronnie Braucher, Tim and Shellie Wolfe, Erin and Gwen Wolfe, Mark II and Jennifer Maynard, Karl and Amanda Werner, Kevin and Heather Werner, Brian and Tiffany Wolfe, and Kiersten and Richard Fair; ten great-grandchildren: Asher and Selah Wolfe, Zion and Caspian Wolfe, Heidi, Riley and Audrey Braucher, Anikah and Kaia Werner, Carissa Fair; brothers: Everette and Joe; sisters: Joan Brownell and Ada Brownell.
He devoted his life to his Lord, his family, his church, his teaching, his friends. He leaves behind a cherished family and a host of wonderful friends.
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Funeral services will be held at Greenlawn North Funeral Home, Friday at 1:00 PM, with visitation, Thursday evening from 6 to 8 PM. Burial will be held in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens . Memorial contributions may be made to Evangel University —Virgil Nicholson Education Scholarship. Online condolences may be made at www.greenlawnfuneralhome.com.