Loren Kenneth "Nick" Nichols, 86, passed away peacefully with his loved ones at his side at Hospice House, Hutchinson, Kan., on Sept. 27, 2009.

He was born on Oct. 2, 1922, the fourth child of Walter O. and Blanche Barr Nichols at the family farm near Lucas, Kan.

After attending the small country grade school he went to Lucas High School and graduated in 1940. He helped his father on the farm, and joined the Navy in Feb. 1942. After basic and radio school he served as Radioman 2nd Class in the Mediterranean Sea area. He was discharged Jan. 1946. After service he started to Wichita, Kan., seeking employment. He stopped in Hutchinson to visit his youngest sister, Beth Nichols, and decided to stay there after taking a job at Crook Furniture Exchange. He later worked at Graber Furniture as Appliance Manager until his retirement in 1986.

He was a charter member of the Hutchinson Water Sports Club, member of the V.F.W., American Legion and the Moose Lodge. He was well known among his friends as a great dancer and an accomplished pool player. His favorite place to be was at the Hutchinson Water Sports Club located near Burrton, Kan.

He was married to Patricia Bastian on Aug. 12, 1948. That marriage ended in 1980.

He is survived by his children, Diana "Deegie" Wray and husband Greg of Hutchinson, Steven Nichols of Wichita, Jo O'Neal of Joplin, Mo.; grandchildren, Jeffrey Wray and wife Trisha of Kansas City, Ryan Wray and wife Lindsay of Hutchinson, Nichole (Wray) Erickson and husband Michael of Lantana, Texas, Trisha Graham and husband Jeremiah of Joplin, Mo., Joshua O'Neal of Joplin, Mo., Matthew Nichols of Wichita, Stephanie (Nichols) Cadwallader and husband Jeffry of Littleton, Colo.; great-grandchildren, Ethan and Zachary Wray, William Jeffrey Wray, Paige and Aiden Erickson, Jayda Graham and Landyn O'Neal; sister, Theo Bear of Great Bend; and eight nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dean; sisters, Beth Logan, Dorothy Paschal and Nyla Fae Dinsmoor.

Memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, at Elliott Chapel, Hutchinson, with Chaplain Mike Hambley presiding. Friends may sign the book 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today until service time on Sunday. Cremation has taken place.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Wesley Towers or Hospice House, in care of Elliott Mortuary.