David Leon Nichols

David Leon Nichols, 77, passed away on December 4, 2025, after a long battle with cancer. He passed peacefully in his home, with his wife, Barbara Jane Nichols, by his side until the end.
David was born on April 27, 1948, in Lawton, Oklahoma, the son of Woody and Vera Nichols.
He graduated from Lawton High School in 1966 before continuing his education at OSU Technical College in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, where he prepared for the career that would define so much of his life.
David began his professional journey in the refrigeration division of General Electric, where he developed the technical skills and work ethic that set the foundation for his success. He later moved to eastern Oklahoma for an opportunity with TSI, where he played a central role in developing what became his proudest professional achievement - the creation of Century Refrigeration, a full refrigeration division built under his guidance and leadership.
Later in his career, David transitioned to the parent company, RAE Corporation, where he continued to share his knowledge and experience before retiring.
When he wasn't working or spending time with his family, David loved to be in the woods, chasing whitetail bucks, long-bearded turkeys or spending time at the lake. Most often, he was out there with his son or one of his grandkids. He cherished every opportunity to pass down his knowledge of hunting and the outdoors to his family.
The people in his hometown of Choteau, Oklahoma, will remember him as someone who stepped up to serve whenever the community needed him. He helped create Chouteau's Boy Scout Troop and Little League programs in the 1980s and later served on the Chouteau School Board, eventually becoming Board President. His service and leadership left a lasting legacy in the place he called home.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Jane Nichols;
his children, David Bradley Nichols and wife, Kerrie, and Rebecca Nichols-Morland and husband, Scott Morland;
and his loving sister, Connie Nichols.
He is also survived by two nieces he loved as daughters: Kimberly Davidson and Jodi Pugh.
David was blessed with seven grandchildren who brought him tremendous pride and joy: CJ Nichols, Hunter Nichols, Autumn Nichols, Jesse Bruffett, Joey Shelton, and Jake Shelton; and an adopted granddaughter, Ciara Elbry.
He also deeply loved the three sons of his nieces as if they were his own: Colt Pugh, Cal Pugh, and Cody Packard.
He was preceded in death by his son, Chuck Nichols, and by his parents, Woody and Vera Nichols.
A celebration of David's life will be held on December 15th at 1:00 p.m. at Stephens-Key Funeral Home in Pryor, Oklahoma.
Fellowship will follow immediately at the Tractor Barn Event Center located at 5285 E0580 Rd, Chouteau, Ok.
He will be deeply missed by his family and by all who knew and loved him.