07/13/2008
Robert “Bob” Nichols, age 82, passed away at his farmstead Sunday, July 13, 2008,
of natural causes.
Bob was born December 29, 1925, in Marion County, in the small
town of Hawkeye. He was the firstborn of Charley and Clara (Kingery) Nichols. He
lived his entire life in Marion County, with the exception of two years in the US
Army, serving in Berlin, Germany, from 1944 to 1946.
On January 3, 1948, he was
united in marriage to Leta L. Agan in the United Methodist Church in Knoxville.
They were privileged to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary this past January
2008. Bob was a true farmer, having spent his entire life working on various farms,
including his own homesteads.
He enjoyed very much playing the part of Santa and
surprising neighborhood children, along with appearing at other events of the holiday
season as Santa. Another joy of his was grilling meats of all kinds wherever he
was asked, taking his large grill with him to various events. He also took pride
in being known as a “mushroom authority”.
Bob was a long-time member of the United
Methodist Church, the Marion County Cattlemen Association, and participated in the
local Farmer’s Market for many years. He also enjoyed playing on the Belinda Softball
Team for many years.
Bob is survived by his wife Leta; one son, Lee Wayne Nichols
(and his special friend, Lorna Arnett) of Branson, Missouri; one daughter, Lou Ann
(Bob) Willis of Knoxville; four grandchildren, Matthew (Katie) Nichols and Andrew
(Marcy) Nichols all of Bussey, Michael (Lisa) Willis, and Timothy (Christa McNeal)
Willis all of Knoxville; two step-granddaughters, Heather (Aaron) Collins and Heidi
Fielder all of Kansas City, Mo; five great-grandchildren, and three step-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his brother George Nichols and daughter-in-law Brenda
Nichols. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, July 16, 2008, at 10:00 A.M.,
at Williams Funeral Home in Knoxville with Rev. Brent Hanna officiating. Song selections
were: " The Old Rugged Cross" and " The Hymn of Promise" with Janet Westberg as vocalist
and Mary Hanna as organist. Casket Bearers were: Andrew and Matthew Nichols, Michael
and Timothy Willis, Duane Schmaltz, and Steve Van Sant.
Burial was in Olive Chapel
Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family and will be designated
at a later date.
Condolence messages to the family may be sent to www.williamsfhknoxville.com.