Willard Alton Nichols

Willard (Nick) Alton Nichols (age) 81, of Rigby, Idaho died Thursday, January 20, 2011 at his home. Willard was born October 7, 1929, at Ririe, Idaho to Samuel Charles Nichols and Sarah Genevieve Barker. He was the oldest of four boys. Willard joined the Navy at eighteen and served for 20 years as an Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class traveling the world while serving his country. He retired as an E6 in 1967. Settling in Idaho Falls, ID working for INEEL. He married Elsie Virginia Turner, September 1, 1956, in Hernando, Mississippi, later they were sealed in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple May 18, 1968. Together they adopted two sons, Gregory Allan and Eric David. Willard and Elsie served an LDS mission in the South Africa Durban Mission from 1995-1996. Elsie passed away on July 22, 2005 after being married for 51 years. Willard married Dolores Pulley Rinehart on January 3, 2006 making their home in Rigby, ID. Together they spent their time working in the orchard, planting gardens and fishing at Rigby Lake. Willard also spent his time canning homemade jams; which he gave to friends and neighbors. Dolores passed away on October 4, 2009 from a long time illness. Willard married Carla Mae Passey on February 20, 2010. Together they enjoyed family get togethers, games with friends, eating out, and providing Sunday Services to the residents of The Gardens Assisted Living here in Rigby. Willard is survived by his wife: Carla Mae Passey Nichols, son: Gregory Allan Nichols of Idaho Falls, grandson: Dominic Travaloina of Surrey. British Columbia, Canada, brothers: Samuel Lynn (Sharron), of Salt Lake City, UT; Richard Wayne (Paula) of Nampa, ID; and John Harry (Lena) of Murray, UT, and many step children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wives, Elsie Turner Nichols, and Dolores Pulley Rinehart Nichols, and a son Eric David. Funeral services will be at 11:00am on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at the Rigby LDS 12th Ward Bldg. 602 Sundance, Rigby. The family will receive friends on Monday from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Eckersell Funeral Home and for one hour before the funeral services at the Church. Burial will be in the Ririe Shelton Cemetery under the direction of Eckersell Memorial. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Veterans home in Pocatello, ID.