George Nichols

George Nichols, 81, of Seymour, Iowa, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, loving partner and friend, passed away peacefully on the evening of July 20, 2024 at Corydon Specialty Care with his daughter at his side.

George Franklin Nichols was born on October 28, 1942. He was the son of Clifford and Lola (Plumb) Nichols. George grew up in both Albion and Marshalltown. He attended school at Albion High School and was a member of the graduating class of 1961. In 1962, George enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged from service in September 1966.

Upon his departure from the armed forces, George lived in Des Moines, Iowa. It was here that he met his wife, Jacqueline Albright whom he lovingly referred to as Jackson. On August 3, 1968, the two were united in marriage in Des Moines, Iowa. Together they came back to Marshalltown and began a life together. They lovingly patiently and at times courageously raised their daughter Elizabeth “Beth” Nichols. George worked for Lennox industries in Marshalltown, Iowa beginning on the assembly floor and eventually working his way up to supervisor before his retirement after working with the company for over 37 years. He worked for Grandview heights for a number of years in the maintenance department while his wife Jacqueline was fighting cancer and refused to quit working so that he would be available at a moment’s notice. When Jaqueline passed away in 2005 George retired for a second time.

Years after Jaqueline’s passing, George moved to Seymour, Iowa to be closer to his partner Cheryl Lord. They enjoyed traveling to see family, gambling, or just riding around town in the golf cart. They also shared a love for the Iowa Hawkeyes and Minnesota Vikings. While living in Seymour, he worked for Honey Creek Resort by Lake Rathbun as a greens keeper and referred to as a “clippendale.” He worked for Honey Creek for 16 years. During his recovery time in the hospital, he often spoke about having to get back to work.

In his free time, the first and most important thing to him was being there with his family and spending time with his grandchildren who lovingly called him “gramps.” He made it to every one of his grandchildren’s activities that they were involved with over the years. He enjoyed being outside and mowing the yard, going out to “check the town,” fishing, and always being there to help out his friends and family with whatever they needed whenever they needed it. In his younger years he enjoyed road hunting with his brother and nephews and made many memories together. Good, bad or ugly, he was a loyal Iowa and Vikings fan. Every winter he would go searching for the albino doe to make sure that she was always safe.

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Beth Nichols; his grandchildren, Devin Thul, Nick (Hannah) Thul, and Teiguen Thul; and great-grandchildren, Jackson Cade Thul and Cannon George Thul; his loving partner, Cheryl Lord; his bonus daughter, Stacey (David) Westphal; bonus grandchildren, Jared Westphal and Raven Westphal; his siblings, Phylis Schell of Farmington, NM, Norman Waldo of Marshalltown, IA, Debbie Nichols of Marshalltown, IA, and Candy (Doug) Judge of Marshalltown, IA; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his wife Jacqueline; his parents Clifford and Lola Nichols; his siblings, Patricia Armstrong, Robert “Bob” Nichols, and a baby brother Jerry Nichols; and his grandfather, Henry Frank Nichols.

Per George’s wishes cremation rites have been accorded and a family led celebration of life will be announced at a future date. Memorials in George’s name may be directed to his family for a later designation. For additional information or to send a condolence to the family please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.