Gene Edward Nichols

Gene Edward Nichols, 91, passed away on December 4, 2016 in Midwest City. He was born in Achille, OK on April 13, 1925 to William Sanford Nichols and Sadie Willard Nichols. Sadie died when Gene was about two years old. Gene and his brothers, Alfred and Fred, stayed with William until 1929, when they went to the Whitaker State Orphanage in Pryor. William died about a year later. Fred was adopted shortly thereafter, but Gene and Al were at the home until they graduated from high school in 1943 and 1939, respectively.

Gene joined the Navy shortly after graduation, and as a member of Underwater Demolition Team 4, served in the Guam, Philippines and Okinawa campaigns, earning two Bronze Stars with combat V. After leaving the Navy in 1946 he worked for a couple of years, married Barbara Jane Davis, of Oklahoma City, on January 21, 1948, and started school at Oklahoma State University (then Oklahoma A&M). After his graduation in 1951, he went to work for the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company as a charter member of their executive training program.

This was the beginning of a very interesting and satisfying career of 39 years. His initial assignment was a 15-month training period in Oklahoma City. His first field assignment was as Wire Chief in Anadarko. He subsequently worked in Ardmore as Outside Plant Manager, Oklahoma City in the engineering department, St. Louis as Defense Activities Coordinator and back in Oklahoma City in the engineering department, the plant department and as Tax Supervisor for the State of Oklahoma. He retired in 1990.

During much of the above period, he and Barbara were also very busy raising their 3 boys and engaging in various related activities. He was a Sunday school teacher, president of the board and lay leader, at various times, of their church and president of the PTA when the boys were in grade school. He also served as a scoutmaster and baseball coach during those years.

Gene never lost his love of outdoor and agricultural activities which began at the orphanage. He had always wanted a piece of agricultural land of his own. Finally, in 1969, he became the proud owner of 160 acres just east of Tecumseh, OK. He developed it into the beautiful property that he had dreamed of since his days at the orphanage, and experienced great enjoyment in the process. It was also the site of very many happy family gatherings over the years.

Gene is survived by his wife of 68 years, Barbara, sons, Gary and wife Joanne, Marc, Danny and wife Karen and grandchildren Jeremy, Savanna and husband Chase Means and Benjamin.

Gene’s family will celebrate his life at Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper, 6600 N. Broadway Extension, Oklahoma City on Saturday, December 10, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be at Rose Hill burial Park, Oklahoma City.