Joseph Nicholas, age 40, of Olney, Illinois, passed away on June 5, 2026, at Axiom gardens in Flora, Illinois. Joseph was born on August 5, 1985, in Olney, Illinois, the son of Robert and Doris (Wilson) Nicholas.

 A Funeral Service will be held on June 11, 2026, at 6:00 PM at the Meyer Funeral Home in Olney, with a visitation for family and friends 1 hour prior to the service. In lieu of Flowers, memorials may be made to the funeral home to help with expenses. 
The obituary can be viewed, and condolences left at www.meyerfh.com. 

Joseph was the second-oldest son of Robert and Doris Nicholas and the second-oldest of eight children. From an early age, he developed a love for the outdoors. As a dedicated member of the Boy Scouts, he eagerly participated in camping trips, outdoor adventures, and the many activities scouting had to offer. Those experiences helped shape a lifelong appreciation for nature and the simple joys of being outdoors.

Whether he was casting a fishing line, tending to his garden, sitting around a bonfire with family and friends, or spending a quiet evening outdoors, Joseph felt most at home under the open sky. One of his proudest projects was building an outdoor fire pit and bench for his mother from reclaimed bricks. It became a special place where they shared countless evenings together, talking, laughing and enjoying the warmth of the fire.

Joseph was an avid gardener who took great pride in growing a variety of berries, flowers, and vegetables. He also enjoyed watching wrestling and was a devoted fan of the Tennessee Titans. Above all, Joseph cherished his family and the time spent with those he loved. He had a kind heart, his love of the outdoors, and the many memories he created with family and friends. 

Joseph is survived by:
His mother Doris Nicholas of Olney, Illinois
 siblings: Michael Nicholas of Olney, Illinois, Leslie Nicholas of Mattoon, Illinois, Adrian Nicholas of Olney, Illinois, 
Angelia (Tony) Gosnell of Dundas, Illinois, Melissa Nicholas of Olney, Illinois, Jennifer Ratcliffe (Fiancé Damon Rutledge) of Olney, Illinois,
 Laura Nicholas (Fiancé Cole Long) of Olney, Illinois 
cousin and best friend; Dusty Wilson of Louisiana 
nieces and nephews; Carson, Maddison, Vinson, Robert, Natalie, Brooklynn and Silas who is expected to arrive soon.

Joseph was preceded in death by his father Robert Donald Nicholas and brother Robert Donald Nicholas II.