Raymond Dean Nichols was born July 23, 1926 in Coffeyville, KS to Walter C. and Eula E. Nichols. Ray passed away at his home in Winfield on February 5, 2021. He attended school in Coffeyville. Ray joined the United States Navy during WWII in 1943 and served as an Aerial Gunner, 3rd Class for three years. He then returned to Coffeyville and attended Coffeyville Junior College, afterwards he completed his education at Southwestern College in Winfield, KS.

While attending Southwestern, he met the love of his life, Virginia J. Chism. Ray and Virginia were united in marriage August 27th, 1950 in Anthony, KS. From this union four children were born, David, Cynthia, Steven and Deambra.

During Ray's teaching and coaching career, he taught at Preston, Conway Springs, Pretty Prairie and Winfield. He also served as assistant football coach at Southwestern for a few years. He retired in 1988. After retirement he enjoyed his hobbies of woodworking, working crosswords, playing cards, collecting quarters, golfing, and playing scratch off lottery tickets. When Virginia retired, they enjoyed traveling around the United States. Ray loved spending time with family and friends, he never knew a stranger. He enjoyed being a part of his students and players lives and always had a story to tell about most of them.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, infant son David, grandson Justin Brown, his siblings, Harold Nichols and Hazel Schmidt.

He is survived by his wife of over 70 years, Virginia of the home, daughter Cynthia Lake (Larry) of Bloomington, IL, son Steven Nichols (Lynn) of Littleton, CO and daughter Deambra Fiske (Steve) of Arkansas City, KS. Grandsons Anthony Lake of Tega Cay, SC, Chad Brown of Pilot Point, TX, Brian, Kevin and Steven Nichols of Littleton, CO. 6 great grandchildren with a seventh on the way. Numerous nieces and nephews and in-laws.

Private family services will be held under the direction of Miles Funeral Service with interment taking place at Highland Cemetery. Services will be recorded and available to be viewed on the funeral home website. A public celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorials have been established in Ray's name for Southwestern College Bruce DeHaven Building, First United Methodist Church of Winfield, and for Harry Hynes Hospice. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.

Raymond's funeral service may be viewed at the following link: