Lonnie Dale Nichols

Lonnie Dale Nichols, of Cleveland, Oklahoma, passed away on Thursday, June 16, 2016 at his home at the age of 50 years old.

Lonnie was born June 22, 1965, in Perry, Oklahoma. He was the son of Harry Thomas and Doris Elaine (Sharp) Nichols. As a young child Lonnie attended school in Pawnee where he graduated from high school with the Class of 1983. During his time growing up, Lonnie played football and was very active in 4H as well as FFA during high school showing sheep. Following high school Lonnie attended college at Oklahoma State University. Lonnie was united in marriage to Kelly Ruth Gray on December 12, 1986, in Cleveland, Oklahoma. The couple established their home in Cleveland where they have raised their two sons Ryen and Dalton. Lonnie has been employed in the oil fields of Oklahoma to driving a truck delivering cattle and fuel. His last place of employment was in Sand Springs for Sheffield Steel which was later purchased by Gerdau Ameristeel for over 10 years when the location closed. Coincidently, Lonnie was also forced to retire due to health reasons since 2007.

Lonnie loved to hunt and fish, especially when his two sons were with him. Lonnie had the opportunity to take a guided hunt in Missouri and was able to bag a Boone and Crockett 180 plus. Lonnie was a very active 4H and FFA Booster Club for many years. Lonnie would take his family with him to pick up show cattle and would call that a mini vacation. He has also served on the Pawnee Spring Livestock Board for many years as well. Lonnie is described as stubborn, strong willed as well as a man with a big heart.

Survivors are his wife Kelly of the home, two sons Ryen Nichols and Dalton Nichols both of the home; two brothers Dewayne Thrasher and his wife Carol of Lake Charles, Louisiana, Pete Thrasher and his wife Janet of Pawnee, Oklahoma; three sisters Linda Hatfield and her husband Duck of Stillwater, Oklahoma, Sharon Harrison and her husband Chuck of Stillwater, Oklahoma, Tracy Yandell and her husband David of Fairfax, Oklahoma; father and mother in law Jerry and LaZeta Gray of Cleveland, Oklahoma, numerous nephews, great nephews, niece and other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Doris Nichols and a nephew Jason Thrasher.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 am Monday, June 20, 2016, at the Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Steve Brown officiating. Following the services, the body will be cremated under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home. Friends may share a memory with the family online at www.chapman-black.com