Gary Forrest Nicols, 86, passed away July 9, 2024. He was born to Frank and Marietta (Kelley) Nicols on November 19, 1937 in Des Moines. Gary grew up in Valley Junction and graduated from Valley High School in 1956. As a young boy Gary would tag along with his Uncle Merle when he ran a morning paper route. When they got back to Merle’s home Gary’s Aunt Irene would make them a pancake breakfast, Gary’s favorite. They remained close through adulthood. He was known to ride his bike home from school at lunch, take it apart and put it back together again in time for his next class. As he got older, he started working on cars. This passion led him to work for a local gas station which he eventually purchased. One day, an RV dealer came in and asked Gary if he could park some of his fold down campers at the gas station as they were expecting flooding at his location. Many people stopped and inquired about renting the fold downs. Gary saw the opportunity and started Gary’s Trailer Sales. He was in the RV business for over 40 years before retiring in 2006.
Gary never lost his passion for cars. He loved buying old Scouts and rebuilding them. Over the years he rebuilt many cars and brought them back to life including a 1923 Willys Overland, 1950 Willys Jeepster, a 1971 Buick and many more.
Gary loved the many fun weekends camping with the Central Iowa Jayco Club. He hated plane rides but he always enjoyed the trips he earned as a Jayco dealer. After retirement, he and Jan loved going to Florida in the winters and seeing their winter friends, and as always, still tinkering with vehicles.
He is survived by his wife, Jan; children, Gary Jr. (Marcia), Missy Walton (Rob Goodwin), and Bill Walton; grandchildren, Stephanie Foust (Stephen), Heather Cochran (Lonnie) and Kevin Walton; and great grandchildren, Caydence Foust, Nathan Foust and Liam Walton. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Marietta Nicols and daughter-in-law Kim Walton.
A private family graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, July 20, 2024 at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines.
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