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Majors LaVergne and Barbara Nickerson are retiring from active officership after long careers of service to God through The Salvation Army.
Born in Seattle, Wash., LaVergne was introduced to the Army as a teenager. He heard the call to ministry while a soldier at Seattle Citadel. He was commissioned with the Swordbearer Session in 1956.
The youngest child of Ben and Reba Harris, Barbara grew up in the quiet town of Compton, Calif. It was through the ministry of the Home League that the Harris family was attracted to the Army. She was commissioned with the Ambassadors Session in 1951.
While Divisional Guard and Sunbeam Director for the Southern California Division, Barbara was the model used to design the Sally Award. After his commissioning, she and LaVergne were married in 1957.
Their life adventure sent them to 14 Western corps appointments. As competent and caring leaders, they have served from Tucson to Bremerton, from Glendale to Albuquerque.
Excellent stewards of all the Lord has given, they have been role models for the people under their ministry. They were blessed with four children: LaVergne, David, Cathleen and Darlene. They are now enjoying 11 grandchildren. A grandson, Lt. Mark King, now serves in Longview, Wash.
In retirement the Nickersons will continue their joyful journey of faith. Their address is: 30449 Meadow Run Place, Menefee Lakes CA 92584.