David Nichols

David Alan Nichols, age 72, of Sparta, Missouri, passed away September 28, 2021. David was born in Springfield, Missouri, July 7, 1949, to mother Wilma Sophia (Batey) Nichols and father Eual Acy Nichols.

David grew up and graduated high school in Miami, Oklahoma. He went to vocational school and then joined the U.S. Navy. He married Donna Janelle Bailey on November 2, 1972, and to this union three children were born.

He enjoyed working on his dairy farm in Hartville and worked outside the home driving a truck. He was employed with Public Works for twelve years. He enjoyed hosting at campgrounds and was still performing maintenance at the various campgrounds as recent as 2020. He especially liked camping in Colorado. He was a “Jack of all trades.”

David is survived by his spouse of 48 years, Donna Janelle Nichols, their two sons, Shannon Nichols (Sally) of Ozark, Missouri, Dustin Nichols (Meghan Caverly) of Sparta, daughter Holly Nelson of Memphis, Tennessee, brothers, Dennis Nichols (Dottie) of Springfield, Tim Bailey (Cindy) of Mansfield, Missouri, sisters, Linda Paudert (Bob) of Seymour, Missouri, Melanie Stafford (Kenny) of Seymour, Marla Arlingtons (Richard) of Tulsa, Oklahoma, grandchildren Adriane Essick (Myles), Morgan, Rachel, Emily, Tyler, Seth, Luke, Ian, Jack, Noah, and Emilia who is due in two weeks, a great-granddaughter Hazel Essick, and a number of nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed.

In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by grandson Ryan Nelson, and nephew Brandon Paudert.