Richard "Dick" Nichols

Richard "Dick" Gerald Nichols, 89, passed away at Miller's Merry Manor on July 8, 2025. Dick was born on December 24, 1935, in Mendon, Ohio to Gerald "Jerry" and Miriam (Zeigler) Nichols, both of whom preceded him in death. He graduated from Mendon High School in 1954 and then attended Indiana Tech for two years. On August 20, 1960, he married Helen L. (Wagner) Nichols in Delphos, Ohio. Shortly after their wedding, they moved to Marion where they built a life together and raised their three daughters. Dick and Helen were approaching their 55th wedding anniversary when she passed away on July 24, 2015.

Dick worked at General Motors (Fisher Body) as a Tool Scheduler, Steel Control, and Production Control. He retired after 38 years of dedicated service.

Dick had a love for softball-whether cheering on his girls or playing in the Matter Park Softball League himself. He and Helen shared a passion for auto racing, often traveling to tracks across the country. They volunteered at the Gas City I-69 Speedway and spent every Friday night of the racing season in their favorite top-row seats in the stands. As a frequent golfer, Dick also loved playing rounds with friends at Arbor Trace. Being outdoors for those activities and working in his yard brought him much joy.

When Indiana weather turned unfriendly, Dick often stayed inside listening to music, walking on his treadmill, pedaling his recumbent bike, or catching a game on TV. He was an avid fan of the Pacers, the Colts, and college basketball. From his enclosed patio, he had a peaceful view of nature-squirrels scurrying through the grass and birds gliding effortlessly through the sky. Watching the birds often took him back to his younger days, when he was the one in the air, piloting Cessna planes. Dick also found great pleasure in woodworking, taking pride in crafting display cabinets, furniture, and grandfather clocks for his family.

Dick is survived by his daughters Barb (Mike and Kala) Nichols of Marion, Chris Nichols of Austin, Texas, and Sharon Nichols of Indianapolis; sisters-in-law, Arlene Wagner of Delphos, Ohio, and Marilyn Wagner of Delphos, Ohio; along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.

In addition to his parents and wife, Dick was preceded in death by his brother William (Alice) Nichols; brothers-in-law Harry (Sue) Wagner, Ralph (Mary) Wagner, and Ron Wagner; and sister-in-law Grace (Bill) Morris.

Arrangements for Dick have been entrusted to the College Park Chapel of Armes-Hunt Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 4601 S. Western Ave., Marion, IN 46953. A graveside service will be held at a later date. All are welcome to attend and dress comfortably-casual attire, including denim jeans, is perfectly appropriate-as we gather to remember and celebrate a life well lived.

Memorial contributions in memory of Dick can be made to the Cancer Services of Grant County 305 S. Norton St., Marion, IN 46952, or Miller's Merry Manor 505 N. Bradner Ave., Marion, IN 46952.

The Nichols family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at Miller's Merry Manor for the caregiving and loving support they showed their father.

Memories and condolences may be made at www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com