Don Nichols

Clarence Donald Nichols, age 95, of York, a retired businessman went to the Lord’s Home Saturday, March 8, 2008. Don was the youngest of five sons born to Clarence “C.B.” and Nellie (Lashbrook) Nichols on a farm near Fairmont, NE on September 8, 1912. Don graduated from Fairmont High School in May of 1930. He married Dorothy Louise Smith on May 12, 1935 at the Fairmont Federated Church. This union was blessed with one daughter, Wilma Rae “Billie”. Don, with his wife Dorothy, continued to farm for several years, he then moved to Exeter to work for Clover Brothers in 1940. The following year, they moved to Fairfield, IA, and then later, to Washington, IA, where Don was employed with International Harvester stores as a shop manager. During his time in Washington, he served for many years as a volunteer firefighter. In January of 1954, Don and his family returned to York, Nebraska where he worked briefly at Stoner Implement Co. Don and his wife then opened the Treasure House gift shop, later opening Nichols Office Supply, the Sugar Plum Tree and the Tree House, all in York.

Don was a member of the Elks Lodge in Iowa. After settling in York, he joined the Lion’s Club. He served three terms as president of the York Club and was elected District IV Governor. In 1979, he traveled to every club in the District and presented a Lion’s head rug/wall covering to every chartered club in the district. As a member of the Lion’s Club, he was very dedicated to signing up eye donors at the state fair, soliciting support at the White Cane Days, and selling light bulbs. Don served on the Hearthstone Advocate Board, also helping with visitations and Bingo. He also helped with Meals on Wheels and delivery of daffodils for cancer research. Don worked for many years as a volunteer at the Blue Valley Food Bank and Clothing facility. In his later years, he also built and donated numerous dollhouses to the York Adopt-A-Pet program.

He is survived by his daughter Wilma Rae (Billie) and her husband Bill Sandifer of Bunker Hill, WV, granddaughters Kara Sandifer of New Jersey, Pamela Robinson of Lincoln, and a great granddaughter, Shannon Robinson of Lincoln. Many nephews and nieces. Also surviving are special friends Ann, and her husband Darin Danekas of Crete, NE, Alison and her husband Rick Heiden of York, and Bob and Dee Graham also of York. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his brothers Herbert and his wife Dorothy Nichols, Frances and his wife Margaret Nichols, Gordon and his wife Ruby Nichols, Wilbur and his wife Darlene Nichols and a granddaughter Melissa Deb Sandifer.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 15, 2008 at the Metz Chapel in York with the Reverend Ron Johnson officiating. Burial was in the Fairmont Cemetery at Fairmont, NE. Memorials can be directed to York Adopt-A-Pet or the York Lion’s Club.