Robert "Bob" Nichols

Robert James Nichols (Bob), age 91, formerly of Greenfield, passed away on February 29, 2024. Bob was born on December 6, 1932, in Chillicothe, Missouri to Paris and Ruby Nichols. He grew up in the Kansas City area and graduated from North Kansas City High School in 1950. After high school, he attended both Central Missouri State College and Colorado Agricultural and Mechanical College. In 1955, Bob began a decades-long career as a pilot for Pan American World Airways, followed by several years as a pilot for United Airlines until his retirement in 1992.

In 1952, Bob married Carole Elaine Shutts, with whom he spent 56 years before her passing in 2009. Throughout their many years together, Bob and Carole were blessed to be parents to eight children—four sons and four daughters. Later, their extended family grew as they welcomed many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Over the years, Bob and Carole called several places home. After living more than 20 years in the greater New York area, they moved to Greenfield, New Hampshire in 1977 where they lived until 1995 when they retired to Turtletown, Tennessee. They thoroughly enjoyed life in retirement and spent 13 wonderful years living in an idyllic lakeside log home. After Carole's passing, Bob lived again in the Kansas City area briefly before relocating to Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, where he resided for over 12 years with his daughter and son-in-law until very recently.

Bob's family meant the world to him. In lieu of traditional hobbies and pastimes, he derived great joy from spending time with and unwaveringly supporting his children, grandchildren, and extended family. His love for his family–whether they knew him as Dad, Grandpa, Grandpa Bob, Uncle Bob, or simply Bob–knew no bounds.

Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife Carole Nichols, son Steven Nichols, parents Paris and Ruby Nichols, brother Arthur Nichols and his wife Freddie, and brother James Nichols and his wife Elaine. He is survived by his son F. Thomas Nichols (Lisa), daughter Therese Wise (Kenneth), daughter Mary Jane Nichols, daughter Amy Nichols, son Barton Nichols (Christine), son Robert Nichols (Samuel), daughter Rebecca Marshall (Kenneth), 11 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. A private, graveside service will be held later this year. If you would like to remember Bob, donations can be made in his memory to Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital ( www.stjude.org ) or True Friends Animal Welfare Center ( www.truefriendsawc.com ).