Robert T. Nicholas Jr., passed away peacefully at his home in Humble, Texas, surrounded by his family on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023. He was 80 years old.
Born on June 24, 1942, in Toledo, Ohio, to Robert T. Nicholas Sr. and Hazel Fontenot Nicholas, Robert served his country honorably in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. Bob spent his early years in Basile, then raising his family in Lake Charles, La., where he was a leader in his community serving as President of the South Lake Charles Little League, the Lake Charles Downtown Optimist Club, LaGrange High School Basketball Booster Club, and the Westlake Knights of Columbus. Bob was also a cancer survivor.
Bob spent his entire professional career in the oil and gas industry as a business owner and as an independent consultant. Although his path started in the small Cajun town of Basile that didn’t stop him from traveling to just about every state in the US and 15 different countries. Despite working around the world, Bob was most comfortable sitting on his back porch with a scotch in one hand and cigarette in the other, surrounded by loved ones listening to Elvis and country classics reminiscing about the good ole days.
His involvement in youth athletics brought him much joy, and he relished that he was able to influence the players he coached as well as his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed watching the success of those he touched as they utilized the skills they developed on the court or field carry over into their lives.
His accomplishments in business and community paled in comparison to the success he achieved with his family. He was a dedicated family man and loved his wife, Betty Jane Bertrand Nicholas, and their 8 children deeply. His presence in the lives of those who knew him will be greatly missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those he touched.
Robert is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Betty Jane Bertrand Nicholas, and their children, Cathy Bolin (Dane), Sandra Anderson (Craig), David Nicholas (Julie), Vicky Rhodes, Karen Pocock (Heath), Jennifer Savoie (Kevin), and Chris Nicholas (Heather).
“GrandBob,” as he was affectionately called by his 20 grandchildren: Matthew Rhodes, Emily (Jeffrey) Toups, Amber Rhodes, Brandt Rhodes, Brett Bolin, Katelyn (Adam) Williber, Morgan Anderson, Haley (Corey) Bowers, Hayden Pocock, Brooke Nicholas, Nicholas Anderson, Ella Savoie, Noelle Nicholas, Cali Nicholas, Eli Nicholas, Ty Nicholas, Isla Nicholas, Ruby Nicholas, and Kase Nicholas; five great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and in-laws; and his honorary son, Judge Jamie Bice.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Timmy Nicholas, his sister, Cheryl Pettijean, his grandson, John Thomas Savoie, and his sister-in-law, Patsy Bertrand.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 3, 2023, at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, with Msgr. Jace Eskind serving as Celebrant. Burial will follow in Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles.
Visitation will be held at Johnson Funeral Home from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday evening, March 2, and will resume at 9 a.m. on Friday morning until leaving in procession to the church for 10 a.m. Mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Robert T. Nicholas, Jr. may be made to Neurological Clinical Research Fund at Texas Children’s Hospital, Office of Philanthropy, Ste. 5214, P. O. Box 300630, Houston, TX 77230-0630 or to Camp Spike N Wave, Epilepsy Foundation of Texas, 2401 Fountain View Drive, Ste. 900, Houston, TX 77057 ATTN: Camp Spike N Wave.
Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.