David grew up in the Nevada and Bronaugh areas graduating from Bronaugh High School in 1969. He was drafted into the United States Army out of high school and served two years near the DMZ in Korea as a cook. Following his time in the service, David returned to this area and worked for several area farmers. Most of his life was spent working as a bulldozer operator for several area coal companies until his retirement.
Survivors include one son, Cody Nickelson and his wife Ashley, Ft. Scott, KS; one brother, Bill Nickelson and his wife Marlaine, Mulberry, KS; two sisters, Pat Mashek, Deerfield, and Betty Ann Simpson, Mulberry, KS; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Rosalie Nickelson; two brothers, Charles Edward Nickelson, and an infant brother, Eddie.
A committal service with Military Honors will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at Deerfield Cemetery, Deerfield, MO. Friends may call now and until the hour of service at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.
Those who wish may contribute in his memory to the American Cancer Society in c/o Ferry Funeral Home.
