Charles LeRoy "Nick" Nichols

September 10, 1935 ~ December 1, 2025

Charles LeRoy Nichols, fondly known as "Nick" by his family and friends, entered Heaven's gates and received his Heavenly reward on Monday, December 1, 2025 at the age of 90. His wife, Lazette Nichols, who passed away on September 1, 2025, was there waiting to greet him home.

The son of Clara Pearl (Moody) Nichols and George Yeomen Nichols, Charles was born on September 10, 1935 in Chillicothe, Missouri. Charles grew up playing around with his four brothers, Michael, Pat, George and Carolos as well as looking after his sister, Mary Ellen. At the young age of 5 years old, his father died unexpectedly in 1940, leaving his mother to raise and care for six children. His mother remarried a man by the name of Bill Shields, and together the young family settled in Unionville, Missouri to make their home. There in Unionville, is where Nick spent most of his youth, attended schools and helped work on the family farm until he turned 17 years old. In 1953, at the age of 17, Nick enlisted in the United States Air Force. He bravely, proudly and honorably served his country.  During his military service, Nick was assigned to several overseas deployments including places like Japan, the Philippines, Guam, as well as several tours in Vietnam during the United States / Vietnamese war.

In 1957, while Nick was stationed in Oklahoma, he met a beautiful young woman by the name of Betty Funk and the two fell in love. After a brief courtship, they were united in holy matrimony on October 11, 1957. This union of marriage was blessed with two sons, William and Charles. Together, they shared more than 55 years of love, raising their sons and making cherished memories. After Nick retired from the US Air Force in 1973, having earned a rank of Technical Sergeant after 20 years of dedicated service, the family moved back to Oklahoma. There Nick earned his certification in HVAC service and installation, before continuing his certification to ultimately get his electrician's license. Nick went to work for the State of Oklahoma, where he earned his second retirement.

After his wife, Betty fell into poor health, Nick became her ever loving and faithful caregiver. He took great care of her during her last couple of years, until her passing on February 12, 2013. Nick was blessed to find love twice, when he met another beautiful woman by the name of Lazette Bevers Chang-Yit. They were united in marriage on November 3rd, 2013 and shared nearly 12 years of blending their families, traveling and making the most of their retirement years until Lazette's unexpected passing on September 1, 2025. The couple enjoyed worshipping and serving the Lord and others at Southern Hills Baptist Church, where they attended for many years. After church services, Nick faithfully went to eat breakfast at his favorite restaurant.

Nick also enjoyed many hobbies throughout his lifetime. Traveling was most certainly one of his most favorite pastimes. Whenever he was able to get a week or two off from work, the family could count for certain they would be making a road trip somewhere, always traveling by car or riding the open air on the back of his motorcycle. He was also known to be a card shark. Nick enjoyed every card game imaginable under the sun. An avid and skilled chess player, Nick was definitely a fanatical domino player too. Nick would take a motorcycle ride somewhere to enjoy occasional bourbon and seven from time to time. A true patriot for his country at heart, Nick was always proud to display his American flag and anytime he passed a fellow veteran, Nick couldn't help but stop to extend a firm handshake and share a few words with them about their service.

Nick truly had a servant's heart, always serving God, country, family and fellowman. He made a positive impact on others has helped shape their lives for joy and success using her God-given talents and time. He loved with all of his heart and will be deeply missed each day.

He was preceded in death by his:

Father ~ George Yeomen Nichols;

Mother and Step-Father, Clara and Bill Shields;

First Wife of 55 years, Betty Nichols;

Second Wife of 12 years, Lazette Bevers Chang-Yit Nichols, who passed away on September 1, 2025;

Brother, Carlos Nichols;

Sister, Mary Ellen.

Charles leaves behind his loving family:

Son ~ Charles M. Nichols and his wife, Rachel;

Son ~ William Nichols;

Brothers ~ Michael, Pat and George Nichols

Step-Daughter ~ Cheryl Chang-Yit;

Step-Daughter ~ Cindy Chang-Yit;

Grandchildren ~ Jennifer Scott, Casey Buntting and Michael Nicols;

Several other extended family and many dear friends.