Lewis Matthew Nichols, formerly of Knoxville, died at2:03 a.m. Friday, October 30, 2020 at Marigold Health Care and Rehab, Galesburg.
Lewis was born at home near Knoxville on May 26, 1923 the son of George and Katherine (Fetcher) Nichols. He married Anna Marie Hughes at Corpus Christi Catholic Church on May 29, 1946. She preceded him in death on November 11, 2018. Lewis is survived by two sons, Steve (Lola) Nichols of Galesburg and Mike (Kris) Nichols of Grandview, MO; four daughters, Connie (Larry) Hatch of Knoxville, Rita Williams of Morton, Ruth Boyd of Oklahoma City, OK, and Lisa (Tracy) Bales of Lake St. Louis, MO; 21 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. Along with his wife and parents, Lewis was preceded in death by two daughters, Mary Lou Nichols and Peggy Oberwortmann; five sisters and six brothers.
Lewis served in the Army Air Corps as a Staff Sgt during WWII from December 8, 1942 until he was honorably discharged on March 31, 1946. He farmed in the Maquon and Gilson areas for many years, retiring in 1983. He also worked at the P.E.O. Home in Knoxville for several years and for the Knox Co. Soil Conversation for many years. He was a longtime member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church and Knoxville American Legion Post 749. He enjoyed spending time outdoors gardening.
Visitation will be 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, November 5, 2020 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg, with the Funeral Mass following at 3 p.m. at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Galesburg. Due to requirements surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, face masks, social distancing, and limited occupancy will be enforced. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorials may be made to the Smile Train at www.smiletrain.org. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
