Harry Nichols

Harry Nichols, 84, of Cuba, passed away, on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at Meramec Nursing Home in Sullivan. 

On October 23, 1940, Harry was born to the union of Wilford Nichols and Jessie (Benton) in Steelville, Missouri. 

Harry received his education and graduated from Bourbon High School. 

He was a dedicated and hard-working man, having spent 34 years with MODOT before his retirement. In his younger years he also worked as a tour guide for Onondaga State Park Cave as well as a Fire watchman for the Missouri Department of Conservation. 

Harry and the outdoors went hand in hand. He loved to fish, especially when he could bring his children and later his grandchildren. Many fish-fries were held over the years to celebrate the successful trips at the Osage River. Along with fishing, Harry also enjoyed hunting, being submersed in the quiet of the wilderness was both peaceful and exciting. When he wasn’t participating in his favorite activities, he could be found sitting outside of his house watching the birds and the squirrels. He even had many turtles that would come to see him for a free snack of bread that he fed them by hand. Harry loved to travel and working for MODOT allowed him to see much of the state as well as the conservation department taking him to some of the most beautiful places, but his favorite place to travel to regularly was, Cracker Barrell. Harry was a content man and realized how much his home state had to offer and never had the desire to leave it, most of all Harry loved all the quality time that he got to spend with his family, especially his grandchildren. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him. 

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, Wilford (Jessie) Nichols; one son, Tom (Mary Lee) Nichols; his brother, June “Nick” Nichols; his sister, Joan Schmidt. 

He is survived by his son, Justin (Joanne) Nichols of St. Clair; two daughters, Lisa Horsefield of Cuba and Tina (Will) Strawn of Fulton; twelve grandchildren, Matt Harris, Phillip Harris, Nathan Harris, Zane Horsefield, Seth Horsefield, Willie Belcher, Candace Cunningham, Rowen Nichols, Baethyn Nichols, Willow Nichols, Sara Vicks & Julis Kerr-Schlueter; eight great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; other relatives and many friends. 

Per Harry's wishes he will be cremated, and a celebration of life will be announced at a later date.