Kenneth Alan Nichols, 85, of Springfield, passed away surrounded by his family in the early morning of May 10, 2023 in Springfield. He was born in East St. Louis, IL to Leroy and Martha Nichols. He was a member of the Army National Guard from 1960-1963, the Railroad Union – Frisco-Burlington for 42 years, First Baptist Church of Springfield as a Deacon and on the Board of Trustees and Gideons International. He loved fishing and birdwatching, woodworking and his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Elwin Nichols; brother-in-law, Gene Carson; brother-in-law, Bill Fennell and sister-in-law, Sallie Fennell.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 64 years, Judy Nichols; son, Kevin (Lauren) Nichols: daughters Pamela (David) Robbins and Cyndie Nichols; grandchildren Cameron (fiancé Marwah) Nichols, Reed (Meghan) Nichols, Peyton Robbins, Chanler Robbins and Ethan Riffle; great grandchildren Kenleigh Nichols, Eleanor Robbins and Raiya Nichols; sister, Barbara Carson; brothers Phil (Debbie) Nichols and Floyd (Ronna) Fennell; nieces and nephews Doug and Gail Carson, Lori Nichols, Amanda DeGunia, Christine Fennell and William Fennell and countless other family and friends.

Visitation will be from 10:00 – 11:00 AM on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 AM.