Cleston Hale Nicholas, of Grantsville, WV passed away at Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown, WV, on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at age 97.

Cleston was born in Grantsville, West Virginia, on September 2, 1926, a son of the late Ralph “Swifty” Leander and Ida Mae Whipkey Nicholas.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Roger’s Nicholas, his brothers, Ralph Nicholas, Carol Nicholas, and Charles Nicholas, and his sisters, Colleen Burdette (Bob) and Phyllis Belt (Raymond).

He is survived by two sisters Alta Richards (Hobart) and Sandra Richter (Chuck) and one brother Phillip Nicholas (Sharon). He is also survived by his children Mitchell Nicholas (Diana Godfrey), Vicki Siegrist (Ron), and Rick Nicholas (Lisa Nutter) as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Cleston served honorably in the United States Navy on the USS North Carolina during WWII, after enlisting at the age of 17. He worked for Hope Gas for over 42 years. And enjoyed retirement for 35 years. Cleston was a beloved member of the community, a long-time active member of Grantsville Baptist Church, and part of the daily breakfast club at Mom’s Place Too. He enjoyed wood working and made many items that have been dispersed throughout his family and the community.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at Stump Funeral Home & Cremation, Inc., Grantsville, WV. Visitation will be Monday, March 18, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Tuesday, March 19, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in Nobe Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.stumpfuneralhomes.com