NICKERSON, William Thomas, 87, of Wheeling, passed away on Friday, October 21, 2011 at Liza’s Place, Wheeling, WV, following a brief illness.

He was born at Dixon’s Run, Triadelphia, WV, on February 29, 1924, son of the late William C. Nickerson and Leota Sells Nickerson.

Mr. Nickerson graduated from Linsly Military Institute in 1942 and shortly thereafter enlisted in the U.S. Army.  He was sent to Officers Candidate School, and upon that graduation, was sent to the European Theater of WWII.  In a short time, he was appointed Company Commander of “George” Company of the Third Infantry Division of the Third Army, under General George Patton.  In March 1946, he was discharged and came back to Wheeling to begin his business career in insurance adjusting.

He worked with John Roane Inc. And became Vice President.  Allied Insurance Adjusters of America beckoned him and he rose to Vice President with that company also.

The time had come to try working for himself, and he became Co-founder and President of Nickerson and Company Inc., Insurance Adjusters and Appraisers.

He became State President of Honorable Order of Blue Goose, Int.; served 20 years on the Board of Progressive Bank; and was a former President of Wheeling Country Club.  He was a 50 year member of both El Tor Grotto and the Ohio Lodge #5 A.F. & A.M.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sarah C. Weeks Nickerson; a daughter, Sarah K. Fischer of Knoxville, TN; a son, William T. Nickerson, Jr. and his wife, Leslie of Clarington, OH; grandchildren are: Capt. Matthew Fischer, Bloomington, IN; Andrew Fischer and his wife, Rebecca of Dallas, TX; Ross Fischer of Knoxville, TN: Amanda Kover and her husband, Danny of Barnesville, OH; Jonie Binni and her husband, Jeremy of Powhatan Point, OH; and Lucinda Moats and her husband, Noah of Morgantown, WV.  There are also nine great-grandchildren.

Friends are invited to attend funeral services on Saturday, October 29, 2011, at 11 a.m. at the Kepner Funeral Home, 166 Kruger Street, Elm Grove, Wheeling (304-242-2311), with the Reverend Bryan D. Carpenter officiating, followed by interment at West Alexander, PA cemetery.

Moundsville Veteran Honor Guard will conduct military graveside services.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Liza’s Place, 308 Mt. St. Joseph Road, Wheeling WV 26003; or to Oglebay Resorts, 465 Lodge Drive, Wheeling, WV 26003; or to Charity of Donor’s Choice.
Personal condolences may be offered to the family at www.kepnerfuneral.com.