Nolan O England

Nolan O. England, 94, passed away on Monday, June 16, 2025, at The Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. Nolan was born on January 20, 1931, in O’Kean, Arkansas, to the late Carl L. and Jesse Bottoms England. Jesse was a homemaker, and Carl was a farmer and land surveyor. Nolan was the third oldest of ten children in the England family, in rural northeast Arkansas. He graduated from Oak Grove High School in 1948 near Paragould, Arkansas. He attended lab tech school at Gradwohl in St. Louis, Missouri. After relocating to Michigan for employment, he was set up on a blind date with Doris Cole. They were married three months later on April 17, 1954, in Flint, Michigan, with his father-in-law, Chester Cole, officiating. They were married for 66 years. The couple had three children. Son, David (Patti), England, Marion, Illinois; daughter, Suzan (Troy) Ward, Cape Girardeau, Missouri; and daughter-deceased, Cheryl (Wayne) Maynard.

Besides his parents, Nolan was preceded in death by his beloved wife Doris England; daughter Cheryl Maynard; granddaughter Laura Ann Leffler; sisters: Helen Boyd, Charlene Bishop, and Martha Horn; his brothers, Roland England, Edd England, and Carl, Jr., England.

He is survived by his daughter, Suzan (Troy) Ward, son David (Patti) England; brothers, James England, Raymond England, sister, Millie Gatlin; granddaughters, Elizabeth (Zane) Clark, Sarah Ward; and grandsons Andew England and Aaron Thompson; and his first great grandson due next month.

Nolan’s occupation was Hospital Administrator. He served in this position in Illinois, Missouri, and Kentucky. While living in Kentucky, he was nominated for the Kentucky Colonel award. This award is presented to recipients for noteworthy accomplishments, contributions to society, remarkable deeds, or outstanding service to the community or nation. Nolan was a proud veteran as well, having served in the Air Force during the Korean War. Nolan was of the Baptist faith; he had a favorite dog (Pomeranian) named Buffy; he loved to cook for family and friends; and he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and gardening. He has been a Lutheran Home resident since February 2018, where he was chosen as their June 2022 Resident of the Month.

In the most sacred moments of life, it takes extraordinary people to offer comfort, dignity, and peace. Nolan’s family would like to express their sincere and heartfelt gratitude to the incredible staff and caregivers at The Lutheran Home. Their compassion, kindness, and presence brought not only comfort to Nolan but also to his family.

In lieu of flowers the family kindly suggests that you take a moment-take your time- and spend it with a child. Go fishing, skip rocks, or just watch the water, as Nolan would have really appreciated the gesture. Let that moment be your tribute and know that your kindness lives on in the memory of someone who truly valued time spent together.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Blue Funeral Home under the direction of Binkley-Ross. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025, from 11:00-12:00 PM at Blue Funeral Home located at 1704 North Court Street, Marion, Illinois. Funeral services will begin at noon, with Pastor Ralph Brandon officiating. Burial will follow at Rosehill Cemetery with full military honors taking place at Goddard Chapel. Please visit www.binkleyross.com to leave condolences online.