Steven S Nicholas

Steven Nicholas, 69, of Champaign passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on December 4, 2017. He is survived by his wife Kathy Nicholas, son Jeff (Edna) Nicholas of Savage, Minnesota and daughter, Jennifer (Torrence) Shaw of Urbana. Also surviving are a sister Linda Morgan and brothers James and Milton Nicholas, all of Champaign. Additional survivors include 3 grandchildren: Emily, Joe and Sydney, as well as 4 nephews and 2 nieces.

Steve was born on December 13, 1947, in Champaign, the son of Savas and Leona Nicholas, who preceded him in death.  He was a life-long resident of Champaign.

Early in his career, Steve was a co-owner of the family restaurant, The Sirloin House, in Champaign. He then went on to work for the University of Illinois as an Instrument Technician at Abbott Power Plant until his retirement.

Steve was a proud veteran who served his country in the United States Navy from 1968 to 1972. Much of that time was spent stationed at Oceana Naval Air Base in Virginia Beach, VA.  He specialized in Avionics Control on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Franklin Roosevelt.

Steve was a devoted husband and father who always worked and lived his life by providing and thinking of family first. He was an avid outdoorsman and lifelong fisherman at area lakes and rivers, as well as frequent trips to Kentucky Lake and Dale Hollow in Tennessee.

A Memorial Service/Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, December 8th at Owens Funeral Home, 101 North Elm Street, Champaign.  Visitation will begin at 1PM with services following at 2PM.  Burial will be in the Field of Honors at Woodlawn Cemetery in Urbana and military rites will be accorded.