Donald B. Nickerson

Donald B. Nickerson (76) of 209 S Washington Street in Manito died July 17, 2017 at 7:10 a.m. Born March 21, 1941 in Akron, Ohio, he was preceded in death by his parents, Donald E. and Frances V. Nickerson and one sister, Jerilee S. Nickerson of Pacific Palisades, CA. Surviving are one son Scott (Melanie) Nickerson, Manito; and three daughters, Lisa Nickerson, Julie (Joe) Herring of Canton, Laura (Daryl) Carlson of Peoria; four granddaughters Rebekah Nickerson, Emily Carlson, Annika Carlson, and Anna Herring; and three grandsons Benjamin Nickerson, Logan Nickerson, and Samuel Carlson. Also surviving is one sister Marcia (Norman) Howard of Sun City, AZ, and three nieces. Don was a Christian. He was owner of Nickerson Insurance Agency which was formed in 1980. Among his many other interests, Don was a proud long-time member of the Manito-Forest City Rotary Club. He served the Forman Fire and Ambulance Department as a volunteer fireman for several years. He served as Secretary-Treasurer of Delavan Mutual Insurance Company from 1981 to 2015, and as treasurer of Meadow Lawn Cemetery for 18 years, overseeing the care and maintenance of the cemetery. He was the treasurer of the Forman Park Board from 2005 to 2016. His primary interest was the Forman Park District. With his friend, Dan Sarff, and assisted by a host of volunteers, they presided over the development and renovation of Memorial Park in Manito, installing a walking path, adding two additional ball diamonds, playgrounds, frisbee golf course, planting over eighty trees, eight memorial gardens and renovating the rest rooms. Another favorite was his partnership with his “Therapy Dog” Ready, a border collie with whom he made regular visits to the patients at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. They both really enjoyed the pleasant moments that they could bring to the patients, visitors and hospital staff. Memorial gifts may be made to the Forman Park District, including the Forman Center or to the Forman Community Foundation, in Don’s name. Visitation will be Friday, July 21 from 5 – 8 p.m. at Maas-Hurley funeral home in Manito. Funeral service will be at the Forest City Community Church on Saturday, July 22, at 10 am. Burial will be Monday, July 24 at 10 a.m. in the West Rushville Cemetery, Rushville, Ohio.