Robert Dean "Nick" Nichols, 81, of Winfield passed away Thursday morning August 6, 2009 at his home.

Born May 7, 1928 in Winfield, Kansas he was the son of Arthur Alvin and Merle Veva (Allen) Nichols. He was raised and received his education in Winfield graduating from Winfield High School in 1946. Nick joined the United States Navy where he proudly served his country on a destroyer in the Atlantic Theater at the end of World War II.

Nick was united in marriage to Nancy Jane Sheets on October 1, 1950 at Grace United Methodist Church in Winfield. The couple made their first home in St Louis, Missouri where he attended a diesel engine school. After completing school he worked for Viking Trucking. In 1952 the couple returned to Winfield where Nick returned to work at Winfield Motor Company, and then worked at Joe Collins and General Electric. On February 15, 1967 he opened Nick's Auto Service Inc., he continued as owner and operator until retiring in 1993 due to illness.

He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Jaycees Optimist Club, and the Chamber of Commerce. He was also a Boy Scout Cub Master. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and woodworking with his children and grandchildren, and lived long enough to see his two great grandchildren.

His family includes:
His wife: Nancy of the home;
His sons: Gary Alan Nichols of Wichita; Robert Alvin Nichols of Bartlesville, OK; James Lee Nichols of Arkansas City; Timothy David Nichols and wife, Debra Lynn of Winfield;
His brother: David Allen Nichols and wife, Grace of Winfield;
His grandchildren: Thomas Alan Nichols and wife, Brindy of Whiteman AFB; Matthew Evan Nichols of Fort Bragg, NC; Amber Dawn Nichols of Winfield; Melissa Starla Nichols of Winfield; and
His great grandchildren: Ayden Robert Nichols and Carson Thomas Nichols.

Nick was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, August 13, 2009, at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield.

A memorial has been established in Mr. Nichols's name for the First United Methodist Church, Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, and the Winfield Food Pantry. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.