Richard Nichols

Richard was born November 11, 1932. He died August 5, 2014. His parents were Henry and Mary Gladys Nichols.

He is survived by his wife Evelyn, daughters Aimée and Keri Nichols; sister and brother-in-law Norma and Bill Boone and their children and grandchildren.

Richard graduated from Aurora High School in 1950 and from the Southwest Missouri State Teachers College (Missouri State University) in 1953 with a degree in Business Education. Upon graduation he joined the United States Navy as an unrestricted line officer. He later attended the Naval Postgraduate School at Monterey CA and earned a Master of Finance degree. He was one of twenty-five officers of Lt CDR and above who earned the designation “Financial Management Specialist”. His last duty assignment was as the Comptroller for the Commandant of the FIFTH Naval District/Commander Naval Base Norfolk, Virginia. He was awarded the “Meritorious Service Medal” for his outstanding performance during this billet. He retired from the Navy with the rank of Commander after serving twenty years.

After his service in the Navy, he taught accounting at Missouri State University. In 1980, he earned a PhD in Accounting from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. He was the head of MSU’s accounting department for thirteen years and retired as an associate Professor in Accounting after twenty-three years. Thru Richard’s entire life, he was committed to service.

Of the organizations he was most proud to be involved with was the University Child Care Center, a not-for profit accredited day care center serving university students and faculty. In 1973, he was asked to be their volunteer treasurer and was their treasurer for over thirty-eight years. This was the first of many volunteer positions he assumed. He gave from the heart and received much joy from being able to enrich another persons life, and they by accepting his help enriched his life.

A long time member of South Street Christian Church he showed his deep faith not by words but by actions. He was unique in that he accepted everyone without judgement and treated all with respect, compassion and dignity. He will be greatly missed.

A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, August 9, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the South Street Christian Church in Springfield. A Visitation will be Friday, August 8, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home. And a Committal Service with Military Honors will be Tuesday, August 12, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield.

Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.