Jerry P. Nichols, 88, Hutchinson, died Sunday, Jan. 17, 2010, at Good Samaritan Center, Hutchinson.

He was born Aug. 11, 1921, to George and Harriett M. Haynes Nichols at Hutchinson.

He was a 1939 Hutchinson High School graduate, a charter member of Paganica Country Club, a lifetime musician playing the drums in several dance bands, American Legion Lysle Rishel Post #68, V.F.W. Post #1361, V.F.W. Bob Campbell Post, Hutchinson-Reno Masonic Lodge #124 A.F. & A.M., and Midian Shrine, Wichita. During World War II, his LST-122 was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific theater and participated in the following operations: Marshall Islands, Guam and Okinawa.

On Jan. 9, 1942, he married Ruth Fisher in Hutchinson. After 43 years of their marriage, she died Dec. 11, 1984. Then on Nov. 9, 1987, he married Frances M. Handy Dutton at Sun City, Ariz. She survives.

Their children and spouses include: a son, Larry and Dara, Colleyville, Texas; a daughter, Linda and John Mullens, Lawrence; a stepson, Steve and Julia Dutton, Rockport, Texas; three stepdaughters, Sue and Rex Rogers, Eureka Springs, Ark., Kay and Gary Cooper, North Platte, Neb., Jo Ann Dutton, Palm Desert, Calif.; 14 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral will be 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22, 2010, at Elliott Chapel, Hutchinson, with the Rev. Mark Conard presiding. Friends may call from 1 to 9 p.m. Thursday with family present from 6 to 7 p.m., and 9 a.m. to service time Friday at Elliott Mortuary. Military Honors will be conducted by the Navy Honor Guard. Cremation will follow the service. Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Saturday in Fairlawn Burial Park, Hutchinson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, Hutchinson or the Donor's Choice.

Visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave his family a personal condolence.