Francis B. Nickerson, D.Ed.

Francis Byron Nickerson, D.Ed, 91, died February 21, 2008 of complications following a stroke. He was born in Suisun City, CA in 1916, spent his school years in Heppner, OR, and graduated from the University of Oregon in 1939. A decorated veteran of World War II, he participated in behind-the-lines reconnaissance as a U.S. Army Ranger in New Guinea and the liberation of the Philippine Islands from the Japanese. In 1943 he married Peggy Bauman of Chicago, IL. In 1996, following his first wife’s death, he moved from Kerrville, TX to Phoenix, where he then married Peggy Jane Peebler Decker of Scottsdale. He worked in higher education administration for the State Systems of Higher Education in Oregon and South Dakota, as well as for the Universities of Oregon and South Dakota. He was ordained an Episcopal priest in 1976 in South Dakota, where he provided volunteer services to mission churches on Lakota Sioux Indian reservations. He was an Eagle Scout and served the Boy Scouts for over 50 years, earning the Silver Beaver. He is survived by his wife, Peggy Jane; daughters Lisa Nickerson of Washington, DC and Alice Pickel of Phoenix; sons Eric Nickerson of Fallston, MD and Patrick Nickerson of Eugene, OR; stepsons David and Ted Decker of Phoenix; ten grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. The family is deeply grateful to the Pueblo Norte Hospice of Arizona and suggests donations in lieu of flowers to Hospice of Arizona, 2222 W. Northern Ave, Suite A-100, Phoenix, AZ, 85021. Funeral services will be held at Christ Church of the Ascension, 4015 E. Lincoln Dr., Phoenix, on Thursday, February 28, at 1:00 PM, followed by a reception in the Parish Hall.