Eugene Irvin Nichols

Eugene “Gene” Nichols of Rochester passed away at the age of 93 on July 24; having lived a life full of everything he loved including his family and his 1958 Harley; and he did it all without apology.  He was a hardworking, kind gentleman, who had a bit of a wild streak and wasn’t afraid to tell it just like it was. If a sense of humor could save lives, he would have gone on living forever. In fact, if you’re reading this you probably went to the same different school together and didn’t even know it. The only friends he didn’t have were the people he had yet to meet.

            Gene spent a significant portion of his life in service to the Oberlin community, where he also lived at the time. Resigning as a Lieutenant on June 30, 1995, he wrapped up a 39-year career with the Oberlin Fire Department, where, among other duties, he was an instructor for the water rescue teams. For many years in his younger life he worked as an auto body technician; later from 1960 until his retirement in April 1989, he was an operator for Oberlin Municipal Light and Power. He spent much of the 60’s and 70’s being very actively involved with the Boy Scouts of America where he served as the District Commissioner for the Black River District of the Fireland’s Council. Honorably discharged from the United States Army in October 1955 he returned home to care for his wife and newborn son.  In his free time, he was a tinkerer; he loved building things, turning wrenches on anything with a motor, and solving problems.  Beyond fishing and hunting he also enjoyed baseball, any sports his grandkids, or great-grandkids were playing, and eating. His favorite teams were the Indians and his wife Roxie’s cast iron skillet collection, where he voted her MVP of the southern kitchen league the last 28 years in a row.

            While some have trouble finding love in their life Gene was fortunate to have the opportunity twice. Some years after losing his first wife Rosemary to cancer his sister-in-law stepped in (as they sometimes do) and set him up on a date with a friend of hers. It must have been one heck of a date, as Roxie agreed to marry him on October 16- Sweetest Day- of that same year.

            In addition to his wife Roxie, Gene is also survived by his son Gary (Norma) Nichols; step-daughters Joy (Jeff) Brown, Linda (Scott) Trager, and Terry (Tony) Kristy; Grandchildren Jennifer (Allen) Rogers, Mandy (Josh) Bennett, Dillon (Heather) Collins, Zach (Amanda) Collins, Lori Bohland,  Kendra Bohland, Jeff (Amy) Brown, and Tony Kristy; along with 4 great-grandchildren, Daniel, Emerson, Hannah, and Charlotte; and brothers Nick, Wes, and Glen Nichols, and sister Ann (Kurt) Howe. He will also be fondly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, other extended family, and many good friends.

            Gene was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Edrie (Crooks) Nichols; his first wife Rosemary (Humm) Nichols; brother Allen Nichols, and sister Jane Flanigan.

            Friends and family will be received Wednesday July 28, from 4 pm to 7 pm at Eastman Funeral Home, 200 West Main Street, New London, Ohio. Funeral services will be at 11 am, Thursday July 29 also at Eastman Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Rochester cemetery. Online condolences may be shared at www.eastmanfuneralhome.com

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