Obituary for Claude G. Nichols
Claude George Nichols, 86, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Sunday, October 13, 2019.
Claude was born on February 25, 1933 in Grundy County, Mo., the son of Clyde H. and Edna A. (Chrisman) Nichols. He was married on September 2, 1955 in Kansas City, Mo. to Shirley Lee Page, who survives.
Growing up on a farm in Grundy County, Claude developed an amazing work ethic at an early age. He was tasked with breaking in and training their horses. He even rode one to school which is why he considered himself a lifelong cowboy. Claude graduated from Humphrey High School, near Trenton, Mo., in 1951.
After high school he served in the United States Army during the Korean War as a Corporal. During his time in the service, he was stationed in Germany. Upon returning to Missouri, Claude used his G.I. Bill to further his education and earn an associate’s degree as a mechanic.
Claude was employed as a steel worker for the Union Wire and Rope Plant in Kansas City, Mo. for over 40 years. He was a longtime member of the United Steel Workers Local 348 in Kansas City, Mo. During his retirement, he learned woodworking to help hand craft furniture for Bitter Sweet Creations for several years.
More than anything, he will be remembered as a loving family man. Some of his fondest memories were traveling state-to-state with his wife in their camper and being outdoors with family. He would never turn down a fishing or hunting trip, especially the annual deer hunting trip on the family farm in northern Missouri. He had a generous heart and was always willing to help others with their problems and never expected help in return.
Survivors include: his loving wife of 64 years, Shirley Nichols; his son, Jim Nichols (Diana) of Camdenton, Mo.; his daughter, Sharron Switzer of Jefferson City, Mo; five grandchildren, Douglas Switzer (Lorna), Jeffrey Switzer (Michelle), Jeremy Nichols (Dani), Joshua Nichols and Max Wheeler (Kimi); eight great-grandchildren, Cedric Switzer, Alex Switzer, Tyler Turner, Briana Turner, Hunter Nichols, Abigail Switzer, Caleb Switzer, and Crystal Wheeler; one great-great-granddaughter, Azzy Wheeler; his nieces, nephews and their families, Barbara Nichols, Bobby Nichols, and Richard Nichols.
Claude was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Clyde Nichols, Jr.; and son-in-law, Jim Switzer.
Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 19, 2019.
A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 19, 2019 in the Freeman Chapel with the Reverend David Hartsfield officiating. Military honors will follow his memorial service.
Private graveside services and interment will be held at Roscoe Cemetery in Roscoe, Mo.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the American Heart Association.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary.
Claude was born on February 25, 1933 in Grundy County, Mo., the son of Clyde H. and Edna A. (Chrisman) Nichols. He was married on September 2, 1955 in Kansas City, Mo. to Shirley Lee Page, who survives.
Growing up on a farm in Grundy County, Claude developed an amazing work ethic at an early age. He was tasked with breaking in and training their horses. He even rode one to school which is why he considered himself a lifelong cowboy. Claude graduated from Humphrey High School, near Trenton, Mo., in 1951.
After high school he served in the United States Army during the Korean War as a Corporal. During his time in the service, he was stationed in Germany. Upon returning to Missouri, Claude used his G.I. Bill to further his education and earn an associate’s degree as a mechanic.
Claude was employed as a steel worker for the Union Wire and Rope Plant in Kansas City, Mo. for over 40 years. He was a longtime member of the United Steel Workers Local 348 in Kansas City, Mo. During his retirement, he learned woodworking to help hand craft furniture for Bitter Sweet Creations for several years.
More than anything, he will be remembered as a loving family man. Some of his fondest memories were traveling state-to-state with his wife in their camper and being outdoors with family. He would never turn down a fishing or hunting trip, especially the annual deer hunting trip on the family farm in northern Missouri. He had a generous heart and was always willing to help others with their problems and never expected help in return.
Survivors include: his loving wife of 64 years, Shirley Nichols; his son, Jim Nichols (Diana) of Camdenton, Mo.; his daughter, Sharron Switzer of Jefferson City, Mo; five grandchildren, Douglas Switzer (Lorna), Jeffrey Switzer (Michelle), Jeremy Nichols (Dani), Joshua Nichols and Max Wheeler (Kimi); eight great-grandchildren, Cedric Switzer, Alex Switzer, Tyler Turner, Briana Turner, Hunter Nichols, Abigail Switzer, Caleb Switzer, and Crystal Wheeler; one great-great-granddaughter, Azzy Wheeler; his nieces, nephews and their families, Barbara Nichols, Bobby Nichols, and Richard Nichols.
Claude was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Clyde Nichols, Jr.; and son-in-law, Jim Switzer.
Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 19, 2019.
A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 19, 2019 in the Freeman Chapel with the Reverend David Hartsfield officiating. Military honors will follow his memorial service.
Private graveside services and interment will be held at Roscoe Cemetery in Roscoe, Mo.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the American Heart Association.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary.