Benjamin Chiswell Nicodemus passed away Saturday, December 10, 2011. He was born September 6, 1918 in Woodstock, Virginia. Benjamin was the son of Harry O. and Julia Stickley Nicodemus. He graduated from Woodstock High School in 1935. He attended Massanutten Military Academy. He joined the Virginia State Police in February 1941. He worked for 38 years for the Department and retired as First Sergeant in October 1978. He was known to his many friends as "Sarge", "Nick", or "Old Smokey". He was a member of First United Methodist Church and Taylor Masonic lodge in Salem. He had over 60 years as a Mason. He was also a member of the State Police Alumni Association. Over the years Ben loved golf, hunting, fishing, and playing bridge. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Marguerite Newman of over 70 years; two sons, Benjamin Newman Nicodemus and wife Sheron of Richmond, Va. and Edgar Thomas Nicodemus of Salem, Va.; two granddaughters, Kristie and husband John Sitton of Atlanta, Ga. and Carey and husband Matt Foster of Baltimore, Md.; great-grandsons, Nicolas Brodie Sitton, James Blaise Sitton, Colin Brodie Foster and Luke Benjamin Foster; and a number of loving nieces and nephews. We gratefully thank Good Samaritan Hospice for their loving care. Memorial services will be held at Lotz Funeral Home on East Main Street, Salem, Va., on Thursday, December 15, 2011 at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Bobby Pickle and State Police Chaplain, Trooper Keith Gregory officiating. Remembrances may be made to First United Methodist Church or Taylor Masonic Lodge. At a later date burial services will be held in Woodstock, Virginia, in Benjamin's beloved Shenandoah Valley.
Published in Roanoke Times from December 12 to December 13, 2011