Kenneth E. Nichols

Kenneth E. Nichols VALPARAISO, IN - Kenneth E. Nichols, 96, of Valparaiso, passed away Friday, October 13, 2017. He recently lived with his great niece, Kathy Dudley. He was born December 17, 1920, in Brems, IN, to Carl and Bessie (Sharp) Nichols. Kenneth was a 1938 Valparaiso High School Graduate. He was commissioned a bombardier during WWII. He served with the 315th Bomb Wing on Guam of the Mariana Islands in the West Pacific. Kenneth retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1980 with a rank of Lt. Colonel. At the end of WWII, Kenneth enrolled at Valparaiso University graduating with distinction 1949. He earned the Masters of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees at the University of Chicago. Dr. Nichols taught Human Anatomy and Physiology at Valparaiso University for 36 years, retiring in 1986 as Professor Emeritus of Biology. Ken attended Valley Baptist Church in Washington Township, having accepted the calling of his Lord and Savior as a teenager. On December 20, 1941, in Hobart, Indiana, he married his loving wife of 75 years, Pauline Ketterman, who preceded him in death September 6, 2016. He was also preceded in death by all of his family including brothers, John of Michigan City, Gilbert of Tacoma, Washington, and Carl Adrian of La Porte; and sister, Devona Nichols of Blue Island, IL. Surviving are his three daughters: Sharon Byars of Rensselaer, Sandra (Dr. Richard) Carlson of Assonet, MA, and Sheryl (Chris) Morris of Caldwell, ID; one son, Steven (Robin) Nichols of Bakersfield, CA; many grandchildren and great grandchildren. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at Valley Baptist Church, 255 Rigg Rd., Valparaiso with Pastor Denver Smith. Burial will take place in Graceland Cemetery at a later date. SUNSET FUNERAL HOME is caring for the arrangements. Please send condolences to the family at www.LakeviewFHC.com.