Robert Lester Nichols Jr.

Robert L. Nichols, Jr, known as Bob, left this world on May 9, 2025, at the age of 77. His energy transferred to the great unknown, while at home surrounded by family.
Bob left his wife of 55 years, Suzanne Williams Nichols, of the home, his son, Christopher William Nichols and his wife Dianne Harris, of Alexandria Virginia, his daughter, Katherine Elizabeth Nichols of Bethany, Oklahoma and his only grandson, Hunter West Calton of Bethany, OK. He also left his siblings including Michael C Nichols and his wife Shirley Nichols of Hawaii, his sister-in-law Rose Nichols of Norman, OK, his brother John Nichols and his wife Pauline Nichols of Mustang, OK and his sister Diane Peoples and her husband Gary Peoples of Hartshorn, OK, his sister-in-law Rebecca Jo Williams Heinze and her husband John Heinze of Warr Acres, OK, his brother-in-law David Williams and his wife Carlotta Sawatzky Williams of Oklahoma City, OK, his sister-in-law Sherri Valentine Williams of Ft. Smith, AK, numerous nieces and nephews, and other family and friends.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents Robert L Nichols and Mildred Josie Monroe Nichols, of McAlester, OK, his brother Charles Nichols of Norman, OK and his brother-in-law JD Williams of Ft. Smith, AK.
Bob was born in McAlester, OK on November 10,1947. He lived in McAlester most of his early life and graduated from McAlester High School in 1966. Bob was an active young man participating in football and track, playing the trombone in the high school band, and a member of the honor society. The family were active members of the First Presbyterian Church of McAlester and the church supported his Boy Scout troop. Bob excelled in Boy Scouts and achieved the Eagle Scout badge, the God and Country award, and was in the Order of the Arrow.
He graduated from Oklahoma State University with a BA in Political Science. After graduation, he and Suzanne created and were co-directors of the Stillwater Crisis Center. In the fall of 1972, Bob began work on a Master's of Public Health at the University of Oklahoma. He later became an Assistant Administrator of University Hospital and Clinics and at Children's Hospital. Bob owned and operated several small businesses including restaurants in office buildings and a computer programming company, Tech Works Now. He was a proud stay-at-home dad for his children as he worked from home before that was a thing. In 2003, Bob worked to establish the
Food Pantry at Church of the Open Arms, UCC, OKC, and helped coordinate food deliveries from the Regional Food Bank.
Bob was passionate about writing. In 2004, he received an award from Project Censored for an article on the transportation of depleted uranium across the country to be buried in a mountain in the west. With his efforts along with others, the radioactive waste was never moved. The article was written in 2002, and is available here: democraticunderground.com/articles/02/04/20_nevada.html
In 2005, Bob and Suzanne moved to Berkeley, California, and Suzanne attended seminary. They finally made it to California! Bob met many new friends and engaged with some of the retired scientists in the nuclear industry. He began to write more about radiation exposure in the United States, posting often on a website for veterans and spreading the word that we have been poisoned. He believed that this situation was not redeemable. He bequeathed his writing to his children.
Bob and Suzanne both decided on an alternative end of life process that is climate friendly: Aquamation. This process is performed by McElyea and Owens Funeral Group, found at: https://www.mcelyea-owens.com/. Bob and Suzanne both encourage you to find an alternative burial method.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Church of the Open Arms, 3131 N Penn, OKC. A reception will follow. All remaining food will be donated to the Blessing Box at the church which provides help to those in need of quick food and water assistance. https://www.openarms.org/ministry/blessing-box/
As a living memorial, the family is requesting support with both your time and treasure to the Food Pantry of Church of the Open Arms, UCC, OKC or your local food pantry or bank. Help us continue Bob's efforts and serve those in need. https://www.openarms.org/food-pantry/
Donate to the Food Pantry Here: https://secure.myvanco.com/YN7B/campaign/C-YZX
Arrangements are under the direction of McElyea & Owens Funeral Group of Shawnee.
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