Richard Nichols

Richard Nichols, 77, passed away July 10, 2024 at Harmony Care Center in West Des Moines.

Richard was born December 11, 1946, in Astoria, Oregon to Wayne and Thelma (Partridge) Nichols. He grew up on Des Moines’ Southside and graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School. On November 26, 1966, he married Paula Thomas at Grace Baptist Church. Richard was past President and an owner of Nichols Controls and Supply. He was an active member of Grace Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, an elder, church treasurer and worked with various youth groups.

Richard was an avid weight lifter. He enjoyed building projects and did some beautiful carpentry work for his family, friends and his church. It could best be described as a “labor of love”. He and his wife Paula were snowbirds and they loved to travel in their RV. Their favorite trip was a guided RV tour through Alaska. They enjoyed riding motorcycles, fishing, water skiing and scuba diving. They lived life to it’s fullest and enjoyed their many adventures together.

Richard is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Paula; siblings, Eldon (Patty) Nichols, Ron (Bettye) Nichols and Mary (Paul) Hendricksen; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family will greet friends Wednesday, July 24, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with the funeral service to follow at 12:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. Richard will be laid to rest at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Grace Baptist Church in loving memory of Richard.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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