Harlan – Kendall E. Nichols, 74, passed away Wednesday, November 9, 2016 in Osborne County, KS from injuries sustained in an automobile accident north of Osborne. Kendall was born January 14, 1942 in rural Smith County, KS, the son of Eugene Debbs & Grace Ula (Moyer) Nichols.
Kendall combined a lifetime of farming, over twenty-one years of secondary and adult education, several years of coaching, eighteen years as a career agent, agency manager, and a multiple County Marketing Manager for Farm Bureau Financial Services, all while raising a family and being involved with Church, Community and Chamber of Commerce activities, and serving as President in the International Harvester Collectors Club, Chapter #3. Kendall enjoyed all of his many activities, but the thing he loved most was sharing his love of farming with his neighbors, sons and grandchildren; this was Kendall’s greatest love.
Kendall also loved his community and was immensely proud of the various achievements made in High Plains, rural America by his friends and neighbors. Kendall routinely took on local high school boys as hired hands to pass on all he knew as he truly believed farming was the noblest of all professions. His love for the land and those who tended to it were the core of Kendall’s soul and all that he gave to this cause is Kendall’s true legacy. It was Kendall’s dream to be able to farm every day of his life and with this achievement we all know he is resting peacefully with great satisfaction he achieved this milestone.
Kendall spent 49 years of marriage with Rose Marie Nichols and created many wonderful memories that both have cherished. The household Kendall and Rose Marie built for Dirk and Denton was one filled with an abundance of love, laughter and joy. This joyful home was also shared with the many local children who passed through the doors of an incredibly loving home either as children that Rose Marie would babysit or friends that Dirk and Denton brought home. Although their marriage ended prematurely, their combined love for the family never waned and their focus of loving the children and grandchildren only increased.
Kendall also spent quality time with a special friend Louan (Lou) McCoy in his last years. There were many spirited conversations, fun trips and quality reminiscing in their short, but meaningful time together. Kendall always appreciated the fact that he had someone to confide in and to gain perspective of life far greater than he could imagine alone. Kendall had a great deal of respect for Lou and her family and routinely commented on how nice it was to have this type of companionship in his twilight.
Kendall is survived by his two sons, Dirk Nichols & wife Julie of Beloit, Denton Nichols & wife Lori of Lawrence; a brother, Jerry Nichols & wife Rita of Salina; former wife, Rose Marie Nichols of Clay Center and four grandchildren, Bryce & Kimberlyn Nichols of Beloit and Ivy & Zachary Nichols of Lawrence.
Kendall was preceded in death by his parents and infant brother, Merlyn L. Nichols.
A celebration of Kendall’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at All Faiths Funeral Chapel, Smith Center, KS, with Pastor David Sarver officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Monday, November 14th with family present to greet friends from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. until service time Tuesday the 15th at the funeral chapel. Burial will be in the Bethany Cemetery, Harlan, KS. Memorials may be given to the Smith County Memorial Hospital and/or Hospice Services of Smith County and/or Gardner Wellness Center and can be sent in care of the funeral chapel.