Charles H. Nicolay

Charles H. “Nick” Nicolay of Topeka passed away on Saturday, August 29, 2026. “Nick” was born near Scranton, Kansas, on January 2, 1934, the son of Lloyd and Bertha King Nicolay. Charles grew up on the family farm in Osage County, originally homesteaded by the family of Abraham Lincoln’s secretary. He attended Lyndon Schools and graduated from Lyndon High School in 1951. Later, he attended the University of Kansas. Charles served his country in the United States Army. He married Dora Mae Fisher in August of 1957 and had two sons, Doug and Dick. During his life, “Nick” worked for the Kansas Highway Patrol for 13 years. He served as the Academy Pursuit Driving Instructor and flew for eight years for the Highway Patrol, including serving as pilot of the State Executive Airplane. Later, he worked as the Safety Director for Associated General Contractors. He and Dora Mae separated in 1980. “Nick” then spent 17 years as the Executive Director for the Kansas Oil Marketers Association and as their lobbyist with the legislature. He worked for several years at Davidson Funeral Home and finally as the Sergeant-at-Arms for the Kansas Senate for five years before retiring.

He enjoyed riding horses with Karen, whether it was close by home or taking the horses along and riding in the mountains. He also immensely enjoyed flying. He would often speak of flying over the Flint Hills early in the morning when the fog was lying low in the valleys, and the sun was coming up, as one of his favorite memories.

He was married to Karen Thomas on April 19, 1981. Karen preceded him in death.

Survivors include two sons, Lloyd Douglas Nicolay and Richard Scott Nicolay; step son, John Bradley Harrelson, and his stepdaughter, Shawn Herrick of Topeka.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, three brothers, and three sisters.

The family will receive friends from 5:30 pm until 7:00 pm on Friday, September 4, 2026, at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church on Saturday at 10:00 am. Graveside services will be held at 1:30 pm on Saturday at Highland Cemetery in Osage County. Memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church, 4525 NW Button Road, Topeka, Kansas 66618.