Jerald Lyn Nichols, age 69, of Manter, Kansas, died Wednesday, February 17, 2021, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas. He was born April 14, 1951, in Syracuse, Kansas, the son of Harold “Fuzzy” D. and Arlene N. (Kilgore) Nichols.
Jerald grew up on the family farm just outside of Manter, Kansas. He was a graduate of Stanton County High School. He was blessed with a large, loving family and a community of friends. He shared many adventurous stories from when cousins and friends came to visit the farm. He was proud to work with his dad on the farm. Together, they brought brilliant ideas to reality, such as the cooker builds. This was one way to cater a large family reunion yet also provide a service to the community by catering benefits, banquets, community events, etc. He was very dedicated to his family and was honored to donate his kidney to his brother, Duane. He always made himself available to reach out and lend a helping hand. He wasn’t much of a singer but he loved to dance. His dance lessons taught us all how to have a little swing in our step. He shared his love for life in the country with his children. He made sure they all experienced life on the farm with horses, cattle, chores, and more. His ingenuity and perseverance brought any project to life. He had a treasure of experience and was an asset to have on any job. He was proud to have worked with Puyear Construction, Pioneer Electric, Stanton County Sheriff’s Department, and Bob Moore just to name a few. These jobs allowed him to use his skills to help with improvements to the community while making lifelong friendships.
He fell head over heels in love with Annette Correll. He married his best friend and lifelong partner in 1998. Together they worked to build their dreams. One of which was to perform full custom restoration projects out of Assholes Garage. He loved building and modifying cars, and he had an extensive collection. Together they attended car shows and he had much love for his car show family.
To have known Jerald is to have known one of the good ones. He was a dear friend to many and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. The family greatly appreciates the outpouring of love, prayers and support.
Quote by St. Francis of Assisi
“He who works with his hands is a laborer.
He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman.
He who works with his hands, his head, and his heart is an artist.”
Jerald is survived by his wife, Annette of the home; mother, Arlene Nichols of Johnson; daughters, Shay Helm and husband, Brandon Smith of Vidor, Texas, Jeraca Rader and husband Brian of Utica; sons, Rancey Nichols and wife Crystal of Ulysses, and Cody Milligan and wife Kendra of Frontenac; sisters-in-law, Norma Nichols and Trish Nichols; mother-in-law, Berniece Correll of Newton; grandchildren, Tage Helm and Jordon Richie, Akaydion Nichols, Bladen Nichols, Brooklyn, Rylynn, and Aliana Milligan, Gavin, Oliver, and Karsyn Rader; and granddog, Buck.
Jerald is preceded in death by his father, Harold “Fuzzy” Nichols; and brothers, Duane Nichols and Galyn Nichols.
Memorial service will be Monday, March 01, 2021, at 2:00 PM at the Stanton County Cemetery in Johnson with Pastor Mary Courtney officiating. The service will be live streamed on Garnand Funeral Home Facebook page. Memorial contributions may be given to the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation in care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 715, Johnson, KS 67855. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.
