Sgt. Daniel Nichols USMC

Sgt. Daniel Nichols, USMC, was born in Houston on the 30th of July 1996. Daniel exemplified the qualities of a proud Marine and a devoted young father. For the past six years, he had made his home in San Diego, California. However, tragedy struck when Daniel and three of his closest friends were involved in a fatal car accident in Los Angeles on Saturday, the 24th of June 2023. He was 26 years of age.

In April of 2017, Daniel embarked on his journey in the United States Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton, California. Assigned to the Headquarters Company of Combat Logistics Regiment 1 (CLR1), where he held the position of Ammunition Chief. His responsibilities included the distribution and accounting of large quantities of arms and machine gun ammunition. These resources were utilized for challenging training exercises and vital combat missions. Daniel's leadership qualities and integrity made him a role model and mentor to those around him. His dedication and reliability earned him the rank of Sergeant, and he was specially chosen by the Regimental Sergeant Major to carry out the unit colors, honoring its rich history.

Throughout his service in the United States and Middle East, Daniel received several prestigious medals, awards and commendations, such as two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Robbin, Certificate of Commendation Award and Good Conduct Medal.

Beyond his exemplary military career, Daniel pursued numerous passions with great pride and a desire to create something meaningful. From a young age, he had a deep admiration for physical training and fitness. His dedication led him to achieve the 1000-pound challenge, inspiring others to adopt his disciplined and competitive spirit. Daniel's fascination with design, vehicle modification, and rebuilding led him to co-found the Pair-0-dox Car Club, a renowned organization within the Houston car community. Additionally, he was an active participant in the EDC community, where he shared his love for electronic dance music.

Above all, the most significant and cherished role in Daniel's life was being an amazing father to his 16-month-old daughter, Santana. He devoted his time to teaching, playing with, protecting, caring for, and, most of all, loving his baby girl with all his heart.

Daniel Nichols is survived by his daughter, Santana Nichols; his mother, Julia Nichols; his father, Jody Nichols; his younger sister, Juliana Byrd; and many loving family members and close friends. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Heladia de Gomez, from Colombia.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family at ten o'clock in the morning on Saturday, the 15th of July, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston, where a funeral service is to commence at eleven o'clock.

Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family and share remembrances of Sgt. Nichols during a reception in the adjacent grand foyer until two o'clock in the afternoon.

Interment will follow, via escorted cortege, at Forest Park the Woodlands Cemetery, in The Woodlands, where Full Military Honors are to be rendered by the USMC Honor Guard.

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with his family by selecting the "Add a Memory" icon below.

"Daniel's legacy will be remembered for his kindness, bravery, and his role as a protector."