Gary William Nichols, 86, of rural Galesburg, died at 11:25 a.m. Thursday, August 10, 2023 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, Illinois.
Gary was born November 5, 1936 in Elmwood, Illinois, the son of Frederick W. and Floy E. (Breece) Nichols. Gary graduated from Corpus Christi High School in 1954. He married Marilyn Ann Schaeffer on May 11, 1957 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. She preceded him in death on June 2, 2015. Gary is survived by their two sons, Joseph Nichols and Jeffrey (Jennifer) Nichols both of Galesburg; his five “Daddy’s girls,” daughters, Susan (Donnie Boone) Nichols of Alexis, Illinois, Debbie (Roy) Canier of Knoxville, Illinois, Jane (Jeff) Hughs of Wataga, Illinois, Jackie (Ed) Nichols-Parsons of Danville, Illinois, and Julie (Jeff) Day of Heyworth, Illinois; 19 grandchildren; and 26 great grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Anita Nichols of Gilson, Illinois and Judy Nichols of Galesburg. Along with his parents and wife Marilynn, Gary was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert and James Nichols, an infant sister, Susan; and his beloved K-9 companion, Mitzy.
Gary began working at Berry Seed Co. where he made many lifelong friends. He also worked for a time at OMC Gale Products, Butler Mfg., and Midwest Mfg. Gary went on to a lifetime passion farming where his work ethic was on display every day. He eventually was coined with the nickname in the fields as “Papa Bear.” He founded Nichols Sweet Corn and loved selling it from the back of his truck talking with those who came by. He also started the Corn Crib and delivered corn around the area. Gary and his brother Bob won the Knox Corn yield contest two years in a row.
Gary loved spending time with his family traveling around the area on numerous day trips and family vacations. As his grandchildren came along his love for his family was only strengthened. He was thrilled when he was able to spend time with them and loved to pull them around in his antique John Deere antique wagon. A practical joker at heart, Gary loved to make people laugh. He had a heart of gold and enjoyed talking with people. He spent several years raising Border Collies. Gary liked to sit in the gazebo at home and admire his garden and flowers. Gary was a longtime member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church and was an avid Notre Dame Fan.
Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. The rosary will be prayed at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Galesburg. His eulogy will be read following the rosary. A funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be directed in Gary’s memory to Corpus Christi Catholic Church of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
