Donald F. Nichols

Donald F. "Nick" Nichols, 84, of Loami, died at 2:25 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, 2019, at his home. Nick was born on May 26, 1934 in Loami, the son of Roscoe Francis and Minnie Mae Wake Nichols. He married Nadine Park in 1955. Nick went to Loami Grade School and graduated from New Berlin High School with the class of 1952. He proudly served our country in the U.S. Air Force from 1955-1959. He worked as a mechanic his entire life, most recently for CIPS. He loved sports, and during his school days he played basketball, baseball, and ran track. He loved fishing in his younger years, and in his later years he collected thousands of fishing lures. He also loved woodworking and going to garage sales and flea markets. He was a great handyman; he could fix anything and everything, especially old cars. Nick and Nadine wintered in Florida for the last 29 years. Nick was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Darlene Nichols Smith; brother, Bobbie Nichols; niece, Bonnie Smith Taylor; nephew, Gary Smith; and great-nephew, Eric Taylor. He is survived by his wife, Nadine Nichols of Loami; son, Donnie (Theresa) Nichols of Loami; daughter, Delene G. "Deede" (John) Carey of Auburn; grandchildren, Adam (Jodie) Carey of Springfield and Megan (Danielle) Carey of Johnsburg; great-grandchildren, Jayden, Jemma, Josslyn, and Jules; cousins, Ronnie, Carol, and Sandy; great-nieces, Tanya, Shannon, and Erin; and friends that were as close to him as family. Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center. Private family burial will be held at Sulphur Springs Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Loami Fire Department, PO Box 60, Loami, IL 62661, Loami Food Pantry, PO Box 512, Loami, IL 62661, or Land of Lincoln Honor Flight, 57 Country Place, Springfield, IL 62703.