Ronald Darrell Nichols

Ronald Darrell Nichols better known as R.D. of Jennings, Oklahoma passed from this life on Thursday, December 23, 2010 at the age of 67 years 5 months and 14 days. R.D. was born on July 9, 1943 in Lawton, Oklahoma. He was the son of Oscar Darrell and Doris Geraldine (Rust) Nichols. As a young man R.D. grew up in the Tulsa area where he attended school. In 1961, R.D. graduated from Will Rogers High School. Following graduation R.D. joined the United States Navy. During his time in the service R.D. was a crewmember aboard a Lockheed P-2 Neptune designed for anti-submarine warfare. R.D. served as a part of a detachment that patrolled the waters off of Japan during the Vietnam War. In 1969, R.D. was honorably discharged and returned to the Tulsa area. R.D. soon gained employment as a salesman in the car industry in Tulsa. He continued in sales and soon opened Mobile Home Service and Supply. R.D. and Christine operated the business until they opened a variety store in Tulsa as well as Drumright. The couple would buy items from bankrupt stores as far as California and bring them back for resale. On January 11, 1974 in Tulsa, Oklahoma R.D. and Christine were united in marriage. In the mid 1980ís, R.D. and Christine closed the operation due to a down turn in the economy and began operating ìPony Ridesî. They would set up the operation at local events in the area as well as in the Mohawk Park. R.D. was also a model airplane enthusiast. He was a partner at the local hobby shop for several years. R.D. was very persistent about higher education and knowing that education was one of the many keys to life. He returned to school and graduated from TCC with an Associate in Science Degree and continued at Oklahoma State University graduating in May of 2008 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration fulfilling one of his many lifetime goals. R.D. was a very active man he was a 32nd Degree Mason, Shriner, Scottish Rite, York Rite as well as a DeMolay Dad. Being a former DeMolay himself; when R.D. moved to the Cleveland area he was instrumental starting the DeMolay in Cleveland. DeMolay is an organization dedicated to preparing young men to lead successful, happy, and productive lives. Basing its approach on timeless principles and practical, hands-on experience, DeMolay opens doors for young men aged 12 to 21 by developing the civic awareness, personal responsibility and leadership skills so vitally needed in society today. R.D. enjoyed flying remote controlled airplanes, playing golf, bingo or any games of chance. Survivors are his wife Christine of the home, mother Gerry Davis and step father Warren Davis; two children, Rachelle Rene Ward both of Tennessee, Roy Martin Nichols of Jennings, Oklahoma; two step children Jackie Jones Haverly of Yukon, Oklahoma, Jason Jones of Tulsa, Oklahoma, two step sisters Jan Warren of Owasso, Oklahoma, Debbie Eldridge of Tulsa, Oklahoma, four grandchildren, two great grandchildren, cousin Susan Walker and a host of other relatives and friends. R.D. was preceded in death by his father Oscar Darrell Nichols, one son Darrell Nichols, maternal grandparents Roy Martin and Jewel Steele Rust, one uncle Robert Lee Walker, two aunts Jewel Elaine Walker, Jesse Bell Watts and one brother in law David Warren. Funeral services will be held 10:30 am, Tuesday, December 28, 2010 in the Sanctuary of the First Baptist Church with Rev. Dale Gowdy officiating. Burial at 2:00 pm will follow in the Fort Gibson National Cemetery in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home. Pallbearers will include David Poulter, John Ballenger, Ricky Davis, Zach James, Randy James, Casey Muse, Sam Johnson, Gerry Sholes, Orville Mills, Martin Goedecke, G.W. Mills and Steve Tatum.