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Emmitt C. Nicholas died peacefully at his home in Milton, West Virginia, on April 23, 2026. He was born in Milton on July 14, 1927, and he spent his entire 98 years living and working there, except for his service in the Navy in the South Pacific following World War 2. Emmitt returned from active duty and started his own business, Nicholas Dry Cleaning and Laundry Center. He was a founding member of the Milton Volunteer Fire Department in 1949. He also served his community as a volunteer at ECCO, as an elder in the Milton Presbyterian Church, and as an early board member for Valley Health. Emmitt had many active decades following retirement, and he used that time to grow produce and tend horses on his farm. He enjoyed sharing those vegetables with others as he visited people each day in the community. Emmitt was already in his 70’s when he and his friends loaded up their horses for a ride through the Badlands of South Dakota. He also used his carpentry skills to help his children start their homes. Emmitt was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Nicholas and Fannie Hatfield Nicholas Miller, his brother Emzy Nicholas and his sister Mildren Davis. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Dorothy “Dottie” Hogue Nicholas and their three children, Dr. David Nicholas (Jane) of Milton, Robert Nicholas (Rebecca) of Asheville, North Carolina, and Susan Nicholas Korstanje (Doug) of Huntington. Emmitt dearly loved his seven grandchildren, who have fond memories of hayrides and fishing with grandad on his farm. Emmitt needed extra care in his final years, so special thanks to his girls: Sue Ellen, Evony, Kay, Stacie, Melissa, Phyllis and Barbara. Emmitt is buried at Oaklawn Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Milton Fire Department Museum. The money will be used to help with the restoration of a Ford Model A fire engine used by Emmitt and the original founders to respond to fires. His family will always remember the joy on his face when he rode in that fire truck as the Grand Marshall of the Cabell County Fair Parade. The family held a private burial in Oaklawn Cemetery, Huntington, WV. A Celebration of Life and Service of Witness of the Resurrection will be announced at a later date. Henson and Kitchen Mortuary and Cremation Services 1592 E. Pea Ridge Rd. Huntington, WV near Barboursville is caring for the family. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.hensonandkitchen.com .

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Emmitt C. Nicholas

July 14, 1927 - April 23, 2026