D. Duane Nicholas

Funeral Services for Duane Nicholas will be held Friday, May 17, 2024, in the Thomas Methodist Church officiated by Pastor Chaipen Nease. The burial will follow in the Independence Cemetery under the direction of the Kiesau-Lee Funeral Home in Clinton, OK.

D. Duane Nicholas was born on November 27, 1934, to Donnie and Kathryn (Yount) Nicholas in the home of his grandparents, Clyde, and Evylyn Yount at Independence, OK. Duane passed away on Saturday May 11, 2024, in his home in Norman, OK at the age of 89 years.

Duane was raised at Sunset and attended Independence School. Duane graduated from Independence High School with the class of 1952. He attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford for one year and transferred to Westen Michigan University in Kalamazoo. He graduated with a degree in education in 1956. His first teaching position was in Galien, Michigan. Duane returned to Oklahoma and had a long career in education which included positions as teacher, coach, principal, school superintendent, Regional Education Service Center Administrator, Oklahoma State Director of the Regional Education Service Centers, and Oklahoma State Accreditation Officer. Duane loved education and had very few days when he didn’t enjoy his career. He retired from education after a 40-year career to return to Sunset and continue the family farm operation.

Duane was an avid bird hunter and spent many hours and traveled many miles hunting with his many friends.

Duane married Donna Crowder on July 18, 1954, in the Independence Methodist Church where they were both members. To this union, three daughters were born, Lori, Tami, and Vonda.

On March 30, 1984, Duane married Jo Southern who had one daughter, Jessie Lee.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Larry and granddaughter, Ciara Seals.

Duane is survived by his wife, of 40 years, Jo of their Norman home, Lori Nicholas Ketcherside, of Keene, TX; Tami Nicholas Lewis and husband, Chas of Keene, TX; Vonda Nicholas Seals and husband, Roy of Keene, TX; Jessie Lee Bowman and husband, Eric of Norman, OK; sister, Donna Savage of Keller, TX.

He is also survived by 11 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Duane’s sense of humor and fun-loving spirit will be missed by his family and his many friends.

Duane was a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ and lived his life as an example to all who knew him.