Kenneth E. Nichols

Kenneth Eugene “Kenny” Nichols, 77, of Ottawa, passed away Sunday, August 4, 2019, at Olathe Health Hospice House. Cremation is planned. Family and friends will meet for a graveside service at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Williamsburg, at 1:00 P.M., Thursday, August 8, 2019, followed by a Celebration of Life at 2:00 P.M., at the Ottawa Memorial Auditorium, 301 S. Hickory, Ottawa. Kenny was born January 24, 1942, in Newton, Kansas, the son of Arlie and Fern (Sharits) Nichols. He lived in many locations including Pleasanton, Kansas. In 1983, Kenny moved to Ottawa where he made his home until his death. He graduated from Newton High School with the class of 1960. Kenny served in the United States Navy during Vietnam as a corpsman. He later enlisted and served in the United States Army and lastly the Army National Guard from 1973 to 1989 as a recruiter in Ottawa. On December 9, 1964, Kenny was united in marriage to Peggy Henkle in Miami, Oklahoma. She preceded him in death on December 14, 1998. Kenny married Janice (Griffin) Wheat March 20, 2000 in Ottawa, Kansas. She survives of the home. Also surviving are six children, Danielle Dunlap and husband Brett, Larry Nichols and wife Evon, Chad Wheat, Julie Hankins and husband Richard, Don Finch and wife Pam all of Ottawa, and Teresa Brockert and husband C.J. of Olathe; brother, Mike Nichols and wife Donna of Alvin, Texas; thirteen grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his parents; sister, Pat Mouser; and grandson, Eric Finch. After Kenny’s extensive military service, he retired becoming a jack-of-all-trades. Kenny’s love was being with his family and grandchildren. He enjoyed watching sports, fishing, camping, playing Santa Claus many times, and working with the Vietnam Veterans of America. The family suggests memorial contributions to Vietnam Veterans of America Ottawa Chapter 912 c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Kenny’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com