Delbert D. Nicholas

Delbert D. Nicholas, 66, of Shawnee, passed away Saturday, October 3, 2009 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Delbert was born March 19, 1943 to the late Wayne and Bessie Nicholas in South Park, Kansas. Delbert attended Shawnee Mission North High School. After high school he went to Johnson County Community College while with the Shawnee Police Department. He joined the Shawnee Police Department on January 20, 1973 and served the Shawnee community for 25 years, retiring June 12, 1998. Delbert earned the rank of Detective Sergeant and was a member of the Kansas City Metro Squad, Kansas Peace Officers Association and the Kansas Intelligence Association.

Before joining the police department Delbert worked for Vista Manufacturing and TWA as a machinist. He was a skilled woodworker and enjoyed making furniture and toys for his grandchildren and family. Delbert was active with the Kansas Fraternal Order of Police as well as Meals on Wheels. He also completed a 150 mile bike ride, the MS 150 to benefit Multiple Sclerosis research, and was also a member of The Plain ‘ol A's, a Model A Club.

Delbert was married to Mary Lee VanLerberg on July 27, 1961. They were married 48 years, she survives of the home. Delbert is also survived by a son Duane E. Nicholas, DeSoto, Kansas; a daughter, Cindy L. Nicholas, Olathe, Kansas; three granddaughters, Holly Hayes and husband Travis, Shawnee, Kansas, Jessica Martin and husband Tom, Overland Park, Kansas, and Kimberly Nicholas, DeSoto, Kansas; one grandson Adam MacPherson and fiancé Amanda, Olathe, Kansas; two great-grandchildren, Dylan and Ryan Lynn Hayes, both of Shawnee, Kansas; one brother, Ronnie Nicholas and wife Carrie, Waverly, Kansas; a sister, Sharon Nicholas, Shawnee, Kansas; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Delbert is preceded in death by two brothers, Doyle and Richard Nicholas.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Meals on Wheels, 203 S. Union St., Alexandria, Virginia 22314; or Fraternal Order of Police, P.O. Box 3424, Kansas City, Kansas 66103.

Visitation and Graveside Service

Visitation will be 11 a.m to 1 p.m. Wednesday October 7, 2009 at the Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee; burial with Police Honors will follow at Shawnee Mission Memory Gardens, Shawnee, Kansas.