Drew was born February 4, 1956 in Lubbock, Texas to Alton Clark “A.C.” and Ola Mae Nichols. Growing up on a farm and as the son of a carpenter, Drew had a strong work ethic from early in life and he maintained a “burning daylight” attitude until the end. At the age of 18 he joined the Army, where he served as an MP and spent a year in Korea. After the Army, Drew joined his cousin in Fort Collins, Colorado to work on a construction job at Horsetooth Reservoir.
Shortly after arriving, he met the love of his life in Martha Williams at The Long Branch in LaPorte while playing pool. Their whirlwind romance led them to marriage on March 21, 1979. The next decade brought many changes: the births of two daughters, a move to Bellvue, and the creation of Nichols Construction. For three decades, Drew built many homes in the northern Colorado area, often adding his own artistic touch.
He was active in many clubs and organizations, especially the Rocky Mountain Woodturners. Generous with his time, money, and with his artistic abilities, he rarely sold his artwork but frequently gave it as gifts to friends or donated to charities. For one wedding anniversary he surprised everyone by writing Martha a poem, which became the first of many over the years. Drew was truly a surprise to everyone who met him. And his generosity did not end with his death, as he was a tissue donor.
Drew was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers (Billy Jack and Robert). He is survived by his wife, Martha Nichols, daughters Liberty ImMasche (Eli) and Bonnie Nichols, dog/son Buster, sisters Paula Jan Sutton (Bruce) and Lori Elliott (Kerry), several nieces, nephews, and first cousins, and many other friends and loved ones.
A celebration of life will be held at the Fort Collins Senior Center on Sunday October 7, 2018 from 4-7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or to your favorite charity benefiting either children, veterans, or the environment. And please check your license to ensure you are an organ and tissue donor.
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