Howard George Nichols

Howard George Nichols, 89, passed away on 18 Sept. 2024 in St. George, UT. He was born 30 June 1935 in Shelley, ID to Howard Edwin Nichols and Arvella (Adams) Nichols. He married Carol Hill, later divorced. Then married Lila Lee Whetten in the Manti, UT temple. His father (Old Nick) had managed the local newspaper in Shelley, ID for several years and then had a major opportunity at the Los Angeles Examiner and moved the family to Huntington Park, CA, when Howard (little Nicky) was less than a year old. Dad grew up there with adventures delivering newspapers on a bike, to driving cars with stacked phone books to see over the steering wheel, playing trumpet in the marching band, and finally graduating from Huntington Park High School. He went on to enlist in the Marine Corps and served a tour in Japan during the Korean War. There is some indication that he “doctored” his paperwork, but since he worked in the office that evidence was quickly covered up. His love for the military and for his country never dimmed. He wore a Veterans ball cap proudly every day. After returning from Japan, he married his high school sweetheart Carol Hill, and moved to Utah. They were later divorced. Howard was introduced to Lila by way of a blind date, and they were married on 23 May 1970, and the two have never looked back. Nick and Leta have been side by side, inseparable for the last 54 years. Dad worked at BYU Print Services for his entire career and was consequently a die-hard BYU fan. He and Mom built a cabin, their own heaven on earth, and shared it with everyone they knew and loved. Dad worked hard and played hard. He put his heart into everything he did. Dad was never good at saying it, but he showed his family and friends how much he loved them. Howard is survived by his wife; Lila, three children: Gayle (Bob Vance) of Mapleton, UT. Darin Nichols (Cathy) of Spanish Fork, and Marc Nichols (Jennifer) of St. George, UT, and loved and enjoyed every one of their 11 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sisters; Bee Nichols and Joy Gies and his parents Howard and Arvella Nichols and one grandson Kyle Leon Vance. Funeral services will be held on Monday, 23 Sept. 2024. A viewing will begin at 10:30 am with the service at 12:00 pm at the “red brick” chapel at 274 S 100 W, Hurricane, UT 84737. The service will also be streamed online at: http://www.youtube.com/@redbrickchurchhurricaneuta3190 Interment will be at the Hurricane Cemetery. Military honors to be provided by a local honor guard.

Howard George Nichols

June 30, 1935 - September 18, 2024