Vernon "Dan" Nichols

Funeral service for Vernon "Dan" Nichols will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 29, 2018 at the MMS-Payne Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Lone Elm Cemtery. Pastor Paul Simpson will officiate.

Vernon Nichols known to many as Dan passed away on Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at the age of 93.

The son of John and Mary Sexton Nichols was born July 29, 1925 in Checotah, Oklahoma. His early childhood was spent running the creek banks, in and around Checotah. As he became older he began to work on the family farm. He helped them until joining the United States Army on November 6, 1945. Upon his honorable discharge from the Army he returned home to Checotah. There he became reacquainted with Maxine McGinnis. They would mary on August 2, 1947 in Van Buren, Arkansas. The newly wed couple would make their home in Checoatah, and begin raising their family. Eventually his work would move he and his family to California. After his stay in California he and his family moved to Oklahoma. They would live in Tulsa, Glenpool and Pryor before final settling in Claremore.

Vernon worked hard all his life. Primarily as a carpenter. However when he wasn't working, he most often could be found passing the time fishing. It was by far his favorite past time. He and his entire family found great enjoyment fishing together.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Maxine, daughter, Mary Shanks and siblings, Gay, Howard, and Leon Nichols, Irene Macom, Jonnie Karr, Alene Largent, Ruby Fairchilds, Lavon Smith and 2 infant siblings.

Survivors include his children, Loretta Webster and husband Mike, Danny Nichols and wife Carolyn, and Roger Nichols and wife Maxine; grandchildren, Karie Cook, Justin Nichols, Gina Brumley, Earnest Brumley, Rene Defer, Lori Hutton and Jason White and numerous, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family.

View and sign Vernon's online memorial at www.mmsfuneralhomes.com