LYMAN — Donald Edward Nichols, 88, peacefully passed away on June 1, in Evanston with his family by his side.
He was born on July 24, 1930, in Canon City, Col.; 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, and Don later married Josephine Harriet Keyes in Evanston on Sept. 19, 1969, adding nine more blessed children into Don’s life, and later solemnized in the Salt Lake L.D.S. Temple.
As a young father, Don worked in the coal mine in Kemmerer and farmed in Woodruff. Later, he worked for Stauffer Chemical and F.M.C. He simultaneously delivered feed and opened a donut shop before retiring from F.M.C.
A true pioneer, Don started several other businesses throughout his life like the 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, which 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; and 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, David Nichols.
He is also survived by 50 grandchildren, 78 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, former wife, brother, Fred; sister, Barbara; son, Robert; and three grandsons: Gregory Brown, Little Clarence Mosley, Michael J. Smith; and son-in-law, Bill Lewis.
Funeral service will be Friday at 1 p.m. in the Lyman L.D.S. 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 by his family.
