Ralph Nichols

 Ralph Stuart Nichols passed away on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at St Dominic's Hospital in Jackson Mississippi. Ralph lived a full and vibrant life that touched the lives of so many people through the years.

Starting as a young child Ralph loved the outdoors and continued enjoying that passion throughout his life. He was a very avid hunter and fisherman. Whether he was hunting the monster deer bucks in Northern Missouri or trying to hook the rainbow trout at Meramec Springs. He loved it all. His love for the outdoors also included traveling throughout the world seeing the different landscapes that were there. He has been to the mountains of Vietnam, the beaches of Normandy France, thru out Europe and visiting practically every state in America. 

Ralph graduated high school from Potosi, MO and immediately joined the United States Air Force. He had a distinguished 20-year career and retired in 1977 with an Honorable Discharge. Ralph also worked for the Missouri Department of Corrections for almost 15 years and finally retired from there as a Captain. He was well respected by his staff and they referred to him as "Captain Ralph". 

Upon retiring from the Air Force, Ralph moved to Desloge, MO and resided there for almost 30 years. He later moved to Newton, Mississippi and had lived there for almost 20 years until his death. 

Ralph was proceeded in death by his first wife Mary Lou (Lewis) Nichols; his parents Charles and Juanita (McMahan) Nickles; and his 2 brothers, Dale Nickles and Kenny Nickles. 

Survivors include his wife of almost 20 years, Mary (Shepard) Nichols, sister Sue Wells, sons David Nichols (wife Jenny) and Bill Nichols (wife Jamie) both of Bonne Terre, MO, step daughters Felicia Pace (husband John) and Sandy Walsh both of Newton, MS. Grandchildren Amy Nichols and Adam Nichols (wife Kayla), step grandchildren Jason Hickman, Jenger Vinson (husband John), Jamie Ramsey (husband Jim), Makayla Koester, Zach Koester, Ryan Walsh (Kim), Matthew Walsh, Emily Matthews (husband Toby), great grandchildren of Madison Nowicki, Matthew Wade, Dylan Wade, Braylee Nichols, Keegan Burch, Dakota Nichols, Mason Ramsey, Mike Ramsey, Eli Crump, Hailey Vinson, Ari Vinson, Natalie Walsh, Destiny Walsh, Maddie Walsh, Caleb Walsh and great-great grandchildren Milani Nichols, Mila Nichols, Mavis Nowicki, Hadley Vinson, several nieces & nephews and his canine companion Tut. 

Visitation will be held at C. Z. Boyer & Son Funeral Home located in Desloge, MO on Sunday October 20, 2024, starting at 10am. Funeral Services will begin at 2pm at the funeral home in Desloge followed by burial at Bonne Terre Cemetery. The funeral service will be officiated by Pastor Sloane Tiernan.