01/12/2006
Kenneth Eugene Nichols, 78, formerly of Knoxville, died Thursday, Jan. 12, 2006, at Mercy
Medical Center in Des Moines. Funeral services were held Monday, Jan. 16, at First
Baptist Church in Johnston. Interment was at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines.
Kenneth was born on March 7, 1927, to Clarence E. and Nellie A. Brees Nichols in
Knoxville. He was a graduate of Knoxville High School. Kenneth was an Army veteran
during the Korean Era, from 1947 until he was honorably discharged in 1950.
He married
Veradean Andrews and they made their home in Urbandale. He was formerly employed
with Firestone Tire Company for 34 years, until he retired in 1985.
Kenneth was
a member of the Pioneer Masonic Lodge #22, Scottish Rite, Za-Ga-Zig Shrine and High
Twelve. He was also a member of the Eastern Star and was formerly involved with
the Order of DeMolay.
He is survived by his two sons, Andrew Nichols and his wife
Margaret of Urbandale and William Nichols of Madison, Wis.; five grandchildren,
Kristoffer, Adam and Erick Nichols and Harrison and Dmitriy Holthaus; one sister,
Hazel Easter of Ankeny; one brother, Charles Nichols of Des Moines; several nieces
and nephews; and a host of many friends.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents;
his wife, Veradean Nichols on Oct. 16, 2003; three brothers, Harold Nichols, John
Nichols and Virgil Nichols; and two sisters, Pauline Williams and Geraldine Geery.
A visitation was held from 4:30-7 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 15 following a Masonic Service
at 4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family has respectfully requested that any memorial
contributions be made to either First Baptist Church in Johnston or the American
Heart Association.