Earl Nickerson

A Private Family Gathering with Military Honors was held for Earl Nickerson, age 92, of Trenton, Texas formerly of Lemont, Illinois under the direction of Wise Funeral Home. Pastor Art Farrow officiated the service. Earl will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife, Rose, on Friday, June 2, 2017 at Mount Vernon Estates in Lemont, Illinois under the direction of Markiewicz Funeral Home. Earl passed away peacefully, surrounded by family Friday morning, May 26, 2017 after 92 healthy years.
Earl was born on March 29, 1925 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Earl Nickerson Sr. and Ilene Decker Nickerson. Born shortly after World War I and right before the Great Depression, Earl's generation was known as the Silent Generation. This generation was plagued with war and economic instability; they faced many uncertainties, but they overcame. The Silent generation was made up of patriotic and ambitious individuals. Earl was shaped by these events in his life, they made him who he was; he is a part of the greatest generation we have ever seen, and most likely will ever see again. Earl served in the United States Air Force and the United States Army. His last deployment was from June of 1943 to January of 1946. Earl served overseas and fought the Japanese in the Philippines. While he served, his mother received news that he was MIA (missing in action). Earl and a fellow soldier were separated from their unit for several days. The soldier that was with him was wounded and did not survive, however Earl made it back to his unit, carrying his fellow soldier on his back, bringing him home. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his honorable and heroic measures. Earl was wounded during his deployment and received the Purple Heart as well.
In January of 1955 Earl married Rose Weber. They were married for 43 years until Rose's death in June of 1998. Earl then made his move to Texas to be closer to his daughter and grandchildren. One of his most favorite things to do was gamble. He loved the casino. Earl even taught his grandchildren how to play Nickle-dime poker with him at home; and the grandchildren enjoyed every moment. He will be remembered for his laugh and the way he would sing when he heard an old song playing; he wasn't too fond of the great-grandchildren, but it was heartening to see him interact with them, and sometimes comedic.
Earl lived on his own, up until a few months before his death; he moved to Clyde W. Cosper Texas States Veteran's home where he was honorably cared for; the family would like to thank the staff who cared for Earl during his short stay. And to the staff at TMC-Bonham whom assisted Earl and his family during his last hours, the family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude for the kindness and compassion shown to them during this most difficult time.
In addition to his wife, Earl is preceded in death by his parents and infant son, Earl Nickerson III.

He is survived by his daughter, Catherine Jacobs and husband John of Trenton, Texas; Grandchildren, David Nickerson and his fiancé Monica Estrello of Allen, Texas, Daniel Jacobs of Bonham, Texas, Jennifer Jacobs of Trenton, Texas and Sarah Bellows and husband Ashlee of Ector, Texas; Great Grandchildren Tristen and Johnny Jacobs of Bonham, Texas, Alexis and Jake Bellows of Ector, Texas, and Josef and Gabriel Jacobs of Trenton, Texas.