Raymond Carrol Nichols

Raymond Carrol Nichols of Wichita Kansas passed away on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at the age of 94. He was born on January 12, 1929, in Erick, Oklahoma. He attended school in Edmond, Oklahoma. He valued education and earned many different certifications throughout his life.

Raymond spent 20 years in military service, 3 years as a Marine and 17 years in the Air Force. He retired from the military on March 31, 1967. Additionally, he retired from Boeing on March 1, 1991, after 10 years of service.

In his free time, he enjoyed drawing, woodworking, hunting and fishing. After retiring Raymond and Robbie spent time relaxing with friends and family, playing Dominoes, Give-Me-Five, Cribbage and other games. They loved traveling in their RV, boating, fishing, and visiting with family members. The one thing that never changed is that Raymond stayed active into his 90s.

In 1950 Raymond married the love of his life, Robbie Nell Cruze, in Sayre Oklahoma. They had 8 children, 18 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren and 31 great-great-grandchildren.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents: Johnie and Georgie Nichols; his sister: Helen Cox; his two grandchildren: Tammy Anderson and Angelica Chapman, and his two daughters-in-law: Sherrie Nichols and Cindi Nichols.

Raymond was survived by his brother: Clyde Dean Nichols and his wife Elwanda Sue Nichols; brother-in-law: Jim Cox; his spouse of 72 years: Robbie Nell Nichols; his 8 children: Blake Nichols, Albert Nichols, Gordon Nichols, Raymond Nichols II, Barney Nichols, Belinda Cheney, Reo Nichols and LoVonda Van Doren; 18 grandchildren: Denise Flores, Blake Nichols Jr., John Nichols, Kimberly Columbo, Christy Uhlik, Aimee Nichols, Samantha Hendriks, Adam Sterling Nichols, Amber Trapp, Stacey Storlie, Mark Nichols, Bambi Storlie, Patricia Thornhill, Jacob Cheney, Justin Nichols and Trevor Van Doren; 43 great- grandchildren and 31 great-great- grandchildren.

Dad loved his wife and family which was evident through his words of encouragement and praise. Dad wanted to make sure we all understand the most important lesson he learned in life. He did so by providing us with his final words of encouragement in a letter of love.

“My prayer for each and every one of you is please try God’s way.”

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life service at Resthaven Mortuary & Gardens located at 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209 on Saturday March 18, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. Visitation with the family will be held on Friday, March 17, 2023, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Resthaven Mortuary & Gardens.

A private military graveside service will follow at Kechi Township Cemetery, located at 6523 N. Hillside Avenue, Park City, Kansas.

A reception will be held at Cornerstone Fellowship at 3520 N. Arkansas Avenue, Wichita, Kansas after the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Raymond Nichols honor to Disabled American Veterans, Wounded Warrior Project or McDonald House.