Harold L. Nichols

On June 19, 1951 in Muskogee, OK Harold Lafate Nichols, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and son was born to C.L. and Anna Marie (Cole) Nichols. Harold graduated from Central High School in Muskogee class of 1969 then would receive a BS from Northeastern State University in 1973. His early years were spent growing up on a farm with his 6 older sisters and a younger brother, but later moving to Muskogee. Living in Muskogee allowed Harold to spend all of his spare time playing ball with his many friends and relatives. Harold, his younger brother Terry and many friends spent most summer days roaming the neighborhood looking for that next big ballgame, usually only returning well after dark. Harold met the love of his life in 1973 at Muskogee General Hospital working as an orderly transporting patients back and forth from the X-Ray Department. Little did he know the X-Ray Technician that he was delivering patients to would forever change his life. Harold and Pearl were married on July 26th, 1974 at Bacone Chapel in Muskogee, OK, beginning a life together that would span a glorious 38 years. Harold would first become a father when he chose to adopt his first son Christopher. Harold became a father for the second time on January 11th, 1979 when he welcomed his son Casey into the world. Harold was known as Grandpa to Jillian, Abby and Sophia. Grandpa Harold loved spending time with his girls, he was notorious for giving backrubs, arm rubs, lots of kisses, gifts, trips, sweet treats…- basically spoiling them rotten. Jill, Abby and Sophia will never forget what a wonderful and loving man they had as a Grandfather. Harold was an outstanding coach, he coached his brother, nephews, and sons in a career that spanned over 30 years. His strategic coaching method and his attention to fundamental ball resulted in multiple State and National Championships. When Harold wasn’t winning on the field you could always find him in the stands spectating with his family. Early in his career, Harold found himself as the Nursing Home Director in Bixby OK, this position led to a lifelong commitment of providing for the elderly community in many ways. Harold has helped countless seniors with various needs throughout his life. Serving the elderly was not just a job for Harold, it was so much more, it was his passion. Harold is survived by his loving wife Pearl, his two sons Chris and wife Cris of Rogers AR, Casey and Wife Jenifer of Midwest City OK, his precious three granddaughters, Jillian and husband Dan Quinn of El Paso TX, Abby Nichols of Rogers AR, Sophia Nichols of Midwest City, one brother Terry Nichols and wife Julie Nichols of Oklahoma City OK, five sisters, Carol Wood of Temecula CA, Phyllis Cluck of Muskogee OK, Fran Martin of Muskogee ok, Marilyn and husband Bob Roth of Stillwater OK, Dorothy and husband Gayle Thornton of Blackwell OK. Harold was preceded in death by his parents C.L. and Anna Marie (Cole) Nichols and sister Joan Lewis. The Nichols family will have a family visitation from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Sunday, January 13, 2012 at Cornerstone Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 1:00 pm Monday, January 14, 2013 at Eastern Heights Baptist Church with Rev. Gene Bebee officiating. Pallbearers will be Randy Wood, Toby Roth, Dale Cluck, Aaron Nichols, Mark Martin, Grant Nichols, Jared Nichols, Ryan Nichols, and Brent Nichols.

Harold L. Nichols

June 19, 1951 - January 9, 2013