NAPA - Wayne Palmer Nicholes, 86, loving husband, father and grandfather left this earth and went to be with Jesus on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2008, following a brief illness, in Napa. Wayne was born May 24, 1922, to Lester Lee Nicholes and Mary (Palmer) Nicholes on a farm near Cutler, Ohio. Wayne has one brother, Louis Nicholes, who lives in Florida.

During the Second World War, Wayne served his country aboard Liberty ships, transporting cargo to troops both in the Pacific and Atlantic theaters of the war. After the war, Wayne married Arline Peterson in February 1946, and together they attended Providence Bible Institute in Rhode Island. During this time their first son, David, was born. The family moved from there to Chicago, Ill., where Wayne worked at Chicago cutlery. Their second son, Dennis, was born in Chicago.

Wayne and Arline joined Wycliffe Bible Translators in 1952 and began a missionary career that lasted 54 years for Wayne until his retirement in 2005. Don, their third son, was born in Mexico City. Wayne directed Wycliffe’s Jungle Training Camp in Chiapas, Mexico, for many years. When the family returned to the United States, Wayne worked in administration in Wycliffe’s Santa Ana and Huntington Beach offices.

Wayne was predeceased by his wife Arline in 1992, and by his son Dennis in 2001. Wayne moved to Napa in 1995 and married Lillian Fleischmann. They continued to serve with Wycliffe Bible Translators as area coordinators and recruiters, even after his retirement.

Wayne leaves behind his loving family: wife Lillian; sons David (Ann) and Don (Maria); four granddaughters: Melodie Holden, Heather Warmuth, Bethanie Collins and Helena Parker; grandson Nathan Nicholes; and great-grandson Reece Holden.

Wayne was an active member of the Napa Christian & Missionary Alliance Church. His hobbies were bicycling and camping. In later years he enjoyed reading and sharing books. Wayne loved his family very much and always enjoyed time with them. Most of all, Wayne loved the Lord Jesus and found great joy in serving him. Now he is safe with Jesus in his eternal home.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Aug. 30, at 11 a.m., at the Christian & Missionary Alliance Church, 721 Trancas St., in Napa. Graveside services will be held Wednesday, Sept. 3, at 2:30 p.m., at Fairhaven Memorial Park, 1702 Fairhaven Ave., in Santa Ana. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.treadwayandwiggerfu neralchapel.com.