David Nichols Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

David Michael Nichols was born on July 4, 1950 in Joplin, Missouri to C. William and Claudine (Shewmake) Nichols. David passed from this life to his eternal one on Friday, January 17, 2020 at home in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma at the age of 69. Services to celebrate his life will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday, February 22 at Forest Park Christian Church, 9102 South Mingo in Tulsa. A reception will follow at Indian Springs Country Club, 16006 East 131st Street South, Broken Arrow. Dave enjoyed an almost-idyllic childhood in Augusta, Kansas. He was a baseball pitcher, a homerun hitter, a paperboy, and a preacher’s kid, living the life with dozens of other rascals on Socony Street. Dave graduated from Wyandotte High School in Kansas City, Kansas where he was President of the Senior Class. He received his BA from Phillips University. He then went on to earn a Master’s in Writing from the University of Tulsa and completed his education by earning his law degree there. Dave practiced in partnership with his beloved wife and legal partner Carol in the law firm of Nichols and Nichols. Always a peacemaker, Dave especially enjoyed his legal work as a mediator. Dave married Carol Simmons on December 26, 1978 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They were blessed with four terrific children. Dave was an engaged husband, father and grandfather. He adored his family and was happiest when his house was filled with the joy, laughter and chaos of their gatherings. Much to their parents’ chagrin, Dave loved nothing better than sending his grandchildren home from a visit with pockets full of M & M’s. “Dave the Rave” was a man of many passions with a heart as big as all outdoors. He was often described as “larger than life,” and his laughter could fill all the space in any room. Many friends have reached out with stories—funny and touching—about Dave’s impact on them. He loved to travel, and never met a stranger. He engaged every cabbie he met in any city, learning all he could about local customs, sports teams, and perspectives. A stubborn Scot, Dave was proud of his Scottish heritage and especially enjoyed his time in the British Isles. Dave loved sports, both playing them and following them. He was captain of both his football and basketball teams in high school, and he led his basketball team to win the Kansas State Championship in 1968. He played football at the University of Kansas. As an adult, he played tennis and golf avidly, and founded “The 108”—an annual golf outing with great friends. Dave was a nurturing and enthusiastic coach. He coached his kids’ softball, baseball, and basketball teams and served for two years as a volunteer basketball coach at McClain High School in Tulsa. Dave had an incredible wit, and especially enjoyed entertaining friends and family with his annual reporting on March Madness and his most colorful Christmas letter. He was a talented writer and could turn a phrase like nobody’s business. Since his retirement, Dave created his “Garage Mahal” in memory of his days as owner of the Taproom. There he hosted family and lifelong friends, including Mel brothers from Phillips and Rooski Golf friends. Dave’s family will be forever grateful to those friends who continued their regular visits through his journey with Parkinson’s Disease. Dave was a member of Forest Park Christian Church in Tulsa, which he and Carol helped to found in 1985. Dave served as Chairman of the Board of the church. He also served as Chairman of the Board of Indian Springs Country Club. Dave was instrumental in establishing the Club Enhancement Fund which was used to improve and beautify the grounds. Memorial gifts made in David’s name may be sent to Forest Park Christian Church at 9102 South Mingo, Tulsa, OK 74033. Dave is survived by a family who will love him forever: Wife, Carol Nichols, Broken Arrow, OK; Children, Maggie Nichols, Broken Arrow, Jesse and Emily Nichols, Warrenton, VA, Michala Lynn, Broken Arrow, Noah and Jessica Nichols, Broken Arrow; Grandchildren, Ezra, Mason, Reef, Rayna, Chloe, Malachi, Liberty, Talyn; Sister, Claudia Nichols Quigg and Brother-in-Law Leo Quigg, Decatur, IL; Mother, Claudine Shewmake Nichols, Decatur, IL; Loving Caregivers, Tina Cole and Territa McDonald. David was preceded in death by his father, C. William Nichols.

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David Nichols

July 4, 1950 - January 17, 2020