Mr. Nichols was born July 1, 1929, in Vine Creek. He was heavy equipment operator for Salina Sand Co., and a truck driver for Thompson Brothers, Sioux Falls, S.D., for 28 years, and retiring in 1995.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Morton L. and Mabel C. Nichols; two brothers, Clayton and James Nichols; and a sister, Beulah Turner.

Survivors include his wife, Leona, of Salina; a son, Rick and wife Deb of Wells; two daughters, Rita Northup and husband Charles and Rhonda Albrecht and husband Steve, all of Salina; two brothers, Lloyd of Longford and Wayne of Salina; two sisters, Florence Lehman and Betty Smith, both of Salina; four grandchildren, Katie, Cody, Corey and Colby Nichols; three stepgrandchildren, Crystal and Kurt Northup and Joshua Albrecht; and one stepgreat-grandchild, Kristin Northup.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Church of the Cross United Methodist Church, Salina, the Rev. Jerre Nolte officiating. Burial will be in Miltonvale City Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the church.

Visitation will be from noon to 8 p.m. today at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth, Salina 67401, where the family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m.