Ronald A. Nichols, of Republic, MO, went home to be with his Lord, peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family, on Thursday, August 15, 2024. Ronald was 83 years old. He was born on October 02, 1940, in Garfield, Arkansas, to Raymond and Clora Mae (Williams) Nichols. Ronald was the oldest of four children in the home.
He graduated high school in Rogers, Arkansas, with the class of 1958. He enlisted in the US Navy and served his country honorably, including a tour in Vietnam. Shortly after returning from Vietnam, he married Karen Parker. This union was blessed with two children, Michael and Kimberly. Ronald worked for 30 plus years in the insurance industry, including co owning Southwest Agency in Carthage for many of those years. Ronald was always a sports fan, from playing baseball and basketball in his youth to watching his children and grandchildren with their chosen sports, never missing a game or a tournament. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan as well as an Arkansas Razorback fan. Ronald enjoyed playing golf and fishing, as well as reading western books and John Grisham novels. Ronald and Karen loved to travel both internationally and domestically, including many cruises and even visiting the majestic state of Alaska.
Ronald is preceded in death by his parents and a brother Darrel Wayne Nichols.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Karen, son Michael (Heidi) Nichols, daughter Kimberly (Jim) Calhoon, grandsons Caleb (Allyson) Nichols, Campbell Nichols, A.J. Calhoon and his fiancée Katie, and Josh Calhoon, and, sister Kathy (Ron) Youngman and brother Richard (Dianna) Nichols, sister-in-law Doris Nichols as well as other extended family and friends.
A Memorial Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, August 22, 2024, from 5:30 -7pm at Meadors Funeral Home (314 N Main Ave, Republic, MO). Ronald will be laid to rest at Missouri Veterans Cemetery privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to the Parkinson’s Foundation.
