Donald Edward Nichols peacefully passed away on Saturday, June 1, in Evanston, with his family by his side.
He was born on July 24, 1930, in Canon City, Colorado, to Otto Fred Nichols and Clara (Nickerson) Nichols.
His parents divorced when he was an infant, so he never knew his father. Clara left Colorado, moving to Utah when Don and his siblings were very young.
He married Maxine Cornia in 1949, and was blessed with eight children. They divorced in 1968. Don later married Josephine Harriet Keyes in Evanston, on Sept. 19, 1969, adding nine more blessed children into his life. The marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.
As a young father, Don worked in the coal mine in Kemmerer and farmed in Woodruff. Later, he worked for Stauffer Chemical and FMC. He simultaneously delivered feed and opened a doughnut shop before retiring from FMC.
A true pioneer, Don started several other businesses throughout his life: Nichols and Sons Inc., The Eagles Nest, and Bridger Valley Metal Recyclers. He earned his reputation as a hard-working, self-employed man who took pride in his work, and he proudly instilled that ethic into his children.
Don was fervently active in his community. He ran for mayor several times and received an award dedicated to his service in the town of Lyman. He was an active member of the Lyman Town Council as a councilmember and attended meetings regularly. Devoted to the young people in his community, Don established what would become a cherished skate park to inspire opportunities for the kids and to keep them out of trouble.
Don is survived by his loving wife, Josephine; children, DeWayne (Kaloa) Nichols, Jerrie (Richard) Hendrickson, Colleen Kae (Michael Morr), Donald Jr. aka Butch (LaDean) Nichols, Brenda Robinson, Trudy Torrez, Steve (Teri) Nichols, Jolleen Lewis, Rocky (Tricia) Titmus, LeeAnn (Jay) Castrodale, Patricia (Joe) Burrows, Tonya (Bob) Smith, John Titmus, Todd (Tammy) Titmus, Donna (Paul) Petersen and David Nichols; 50 grandchildren, 78 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents; former wife; brother, Fred; sister, Barbara; son, Robert; three grandsons, Gregory Brown, Little Clarence Mosley and Michael J. Smith; and son-in-law, Bill Lewis.
Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. on Friday, June 7 in the Lyman LDS Ward Chapel. Viewing will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Interment will follow in the Lyman Cemetery under the direction of Crandall Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be given at crandallfhevanston.com.
In lieu of flowers or plants, donations to the Nichols family via Google Pay to grandmajo74@gmail.com in Don’s memory would be very appreciated.
