Harold Ernest Nichols Jr. was born November 24, 1931, in Oberlin, Kansas, the eldest son of Harold Ernest Nichols Sr. and Eryline L. Robinson. He passed away Monday, September 7, 2015, at Decatur Health Systems in Oberlin at the age of 83.
Harold attended Oberlin Elementary School and Decatur Community High School, graduating in 1949. He then attended Kansas State University in Manhattan for two years before entering the military. Harold served during the Korean War with the US Army 12th Engineer Battalion.
His first wife was Kathlyne Canagg, and they were married January 31, 1954, in Oberlin. Two children were born to their union, Rick and Vicky.
On December 7, 1984, Harold married Glenva (Laidig) Tally in Oberlin, where they made their home. He became a second father to her three children, Gene, Gerry and Deb.
Over the years, Harold operated Nichols Construction and worked at the power plant and waste management facility for the City of Oberlin. He was a member of the Oberlin United Methodist Church, Mt. Slope Lodge No. 186 AF & AM and Decatur County Shrine Club. His hobbies and interests included remote control airplanes, ham radio and bowling. In addition, Harold really enjoyed Sunday morning “Songs of Faith” on the radio.
Survivors include his four children, Rick and Pam Nichols, of Lebanon, NE, Nick Nichols, Gene and Tonya Tally, of Oberlin, Gerry and Theresa Tally, of Oberlin, and Deb Farr and Monty Roof, of North Platte, NE; son-in-law, Bryan Bogner, of Wright; brother and sister-in-law, Dave and Shirley Nichols, of Oberlin; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and special family friend, Marie McKisson, of Oberlin.
Harold was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Glenva on November 8, 2009; daughter, Vicky Bogner; grandson, Chris Bogner; and granddaughter, Charlie Bogner.
Funeral Service: Friday, September 11th at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home in Oberlin with Pastor Gordon Pettibone officiating and Masonic rites by Mt. Slope Lodge #186 AF & AM
Burial: Oberlin Cemetery with military rites by the Oberlin American Legion Post #70 and Oberlin Legion Riders.
Memorial Funds: Oberlin United Methodist Church and Mt. Slope Lodge No. 186 AF & AM.
Visitation: Thursday from 8 a.m.- 8 p.m. and after 8 a.m. on Friday.