Milton Nichols

1936 - 2020

Milton Nichols
Oklahoma City - Milton Nichols passed away on April 20, 2020 at the home he loved with his wife, children, sons-in-law, and grandchildren by his side.
He was born on September 4, 1936 in Lawton, Oklahoma to Fred R. Nichols and Faye Guy Nichols. He grew up primarily in Oklahoma City graduating from Classen High School in 1954. After serving in the U.S. Army, Milton attended University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma City University graduating with a degree in business. He started his career as a dishwasher for Adair's Cafeterias working his way to own his own location, Nichols Uptown Cafeteria, in Midwest City, Oklahoma. In the late 70's the cafeteria franchise reinvented itself as a seafood and steak restaurant known as Der Dutchman. Milton joined the reinvention with his location on Pennsylvania Ave. in Oklahoma City. In his later years, he worked for his nephew, Lyman "Nick" Nichols Jr., at Nichols Energy Services.
Milton married Joyce Dean Shook in 1960 and they had three children together. He worked tirelessly his entire life to provide for his family. He was a generous man, yet stingy with himself. He was a compassionate, gentle, understanding, and patient man that taught his children and grandchildren by example. He was a simple and giving man that always had a coat, sleeping bag, or hot meal to give to someone who needed it. Him and his wife were known to go out to stores during Christmas to purchase baskets of food and toys for those in need. Milton lived his life answering God's call to help others….he did so willingly and obediently.
He was an active member of First Southern Baptist Church. His faith in God and service to his church were a large and important part of his life.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years and his children Kellye Skalla, Michael Nichols and Kara Budzius. He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Jayson Skalla, McCall Budzius, Justin Skalla, Mason Budzius and sons-in-law Robert Skalla and Daniel Budzius.