Herbert A. Nicholson

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Albert and Bertie Nicholson; brother, Thomas Edward; and sister, Geneva.

Herbert is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Teresa; devoted son, John Charles; granddaughter, Rachel Dianne; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Wooten; and numerous nephews and nieces in West Virginia and Ohio.

A veteran of the U.S. Army, he served 2 years as a medical technologist for his country. He graduated Salem College in 1953 with a BS in Chemistry, and went on to receive his Masters of Education from North Texas State University.

Herbert was a teacher for DISD for 33 years, from 1959 until his retirement in 1990. He was always so proud of his students that went on to careers in engineering, medicine, pharmacology, and other sciences. Herbert will be remembered for his great sense of humor, and his unassuming demeanor that helped put people at their ease, which was a great help with the students in his classroom over the years.

He gave a lot of his own time to his students, coming to the school early and staying late in order to help students who needed tutoring. He did, however, stand his ground in what were sometimes difficult situations. He treated all of his students equally, and refused to pass a student who had not earned it. He was occasionally questioned about this in regard to some students who needed a passing grade to continue to play sports, but he never gave in.

The year he was voted “Teacher of the Year,” he didn’t realize it was his name they called the first time, and when his name was called a second time, he was very surprised. He made his way up to the stage, was presented with his award, and was asked to give a speech. In his typical fashion, his acceptance speech was, “Thank you,” and then walked off the stage. He was so proud of that award, but that was his normal, if somewhat unique way of dealing with situations.

Herbert’s hobbies included collecting and listening to old country music, and in the last several years he took up coin collecting.

Visitation will be Friday, February 26 from 12 to 2pm, with Funeral Services at 2:00pm at Grove Hill Funeral Home.

Interment will follow at Grove Hill Memorial Park.