Obituary of Harold C. Nichols

Coffeyville - Harold C. Nichols, 86, of Coffeyville passed away Thursday, May 22, 2008 at his home. He was born January 31, 1922 at Coffeyville to Walter C. and Eula E. (Singleton) Nichols. Harold grew up and attended school in Coffeyville, graduating from Field Kindley High School. After graduating from high school he began working for the M.K. T. (Katy) Railroad. In October 1942 he joined the U.S. Army serving in World War II. He spent over 2 years in the Rhineland Campaign. Following his honorable discharge in December 1945 he returned to Coffeyville where he continued his working for the M.K.T. Railroad. On April 14, 1948 he married Mildred Q. Harding in Coffeyville. Following their marriage they made their home in Coffeyville where Harold was a switchman for the railroad until he retired in 1979. For many years he was associated with David Barnes at the Graves Funeral Home as an assistant funeral director. Harold was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church in Coffeyville. He was also active in American Legion Post #20, V.F. W. Post #1022, a 65 year member Keystone Masonic Lodge #102 A.F. & A.M., Scottish Rite in Fort Scott, Mirza Temple in Pittsburg, a former member of the Coffeyville Shrine Patrol, the United Transportation Union, and Royal Neighbors of America. Survivors include his wife, Mildred of the home; one son and his wife, Richard and Joyce Nichols of Coffeyville; one brother, Raymond D. Nichols of Winfield, KS; five grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Hazel Schmidt; and one daughter, Judy Todt. Services will be at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 28, 2008 in the First United Methodist Church with Rev. John Collins officiating. Burial will be Restlawn Memorial Park with military honors conducted by the U.S. Army Honor Guard, Fort Riley, KS. Friends may call on Monday from 9:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville. The family suggests memorials to the First United Methodist Church, Coffeyville Regional Medical Center Foundation or Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice; contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed c/o David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.