It is with great sadness that the family of Larry Dean Nichols of Alton, KS announces his passing on Saturday, April 25, 2020, at the age of 78 years.
Larry was born in the family home near Alton, KS. He grew up on the family farm northwest of Alton, KS, attended Liberty Bell grade school, and graduated from Alton High School in 1959. After High School Larry attended Kansas State University, majoring in Architecture. Go Cats! While at K-State Larry met Pat Ludington. They were married September 22, 1962 and moved back to Alton where he worked the family farm with his father. Larry and Pat had two children, Renee’ and Karen.
Larry was very active with: The Osborne County Fair Board, Osborne School Board, Alton Fire Department, Alton Pride, Kansas Western Horseman’s Association, and the Liberty Bell 4-H Club.
After Pat’s passing in 2014, Larry retired and lived at the family home where he enjoyed gardening. Larry provided many plants, fresh fruits and vegetables to the community and farmers market in Hays, KS.
Larry later met Karen Rigby and they enjoyed spending their retirement years together on the farm and traveling the United States on bus tours. They also enjoyed the Fort Hays Theater and other community social actives.
Larry is survived by his Best Friend and partner Karen Rigby, Alton; his daughter Renee’ Nichols (Thomas Drew, Walker, KS; Karen’s children: Richard, Overland Park, KS; Edward, Colorado Springs, CO; Marie, Topeka, KS; Larry’s brothers Warren Nichols, Washington, IL and Fred Nichols, Hilltop Lakes, TX, and sister Mary Ann (Nichols) Smith, Tulsa, OK; 2 step-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Larry was proceeded in death by his wife Pat (Ludington) Nichols; daughter, Karen Nichols; father, Bernard Nichols; and mother, Wilma (Earl) Nichols.
A private funeral mass was held Monday, April 27, 2020 at the Keithley Funeral Home in Hays, KS. A memorial and graveside service will be held in Alton, KS at a later date to be determined.