Virgil Nichelson 1934-2020

Virgil Lawrence “Buddy” Nichelson, 85, Topeka, died Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020.

He was born Dec. 21, 1934, in Elmo, Mo., the son of Eli and Dolly Stilley Nichelson.

Mr. Nichelson served in the U.S. Air Force until his honorable discharge on Oct. 3, 1960. He worked for Payless Shoe Source in Topeka until retiring. 

He was a member of Topeka Baptist Church.

He married Dorthey Rose on June 29, 1957, in Topeka. She survives.

Other survivors include three daughters, Connie Cook and husband Daniel, Bedford, Texas, Cindy Markley and husband Kevin, Wakarusa, and Karen Gilbreath, and husband Ron, Crowley, Texas; six grandchildren, Leah Obenour and husband David, Jared Cook, Brent Markley and wife Kelly, Corey Markley and wife Ashley, Rachel Dieringer and husband Luke and Justin Gilbreath; and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant sister; and two brothers, Vernie and Robert Nichelson.

A funeral service and celebration of Mr. Nichelson’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 31 at Dove Cremations and Funerals Southeast Chapel, 2843 S.E. Minnesota Ave, Topeka. Cremation will follow the service. Family will receive friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Topeka Baptist Church, 4500 S.W. Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66610.