Adelbert Peter Nichols III passed away in his sleep January 10, 2010 following a courageous battle with cancer. Pete was born November 2, 1941 in Kansas City, Mo., to Betty and A.P. Nichols Jr. He was united in marriage April 10, 1964 to Kolette Kay. After graduating from Central Missouri State University with a BS in business, he joined the Air National Guard. He started his professional career in pharmaceutical sales after going into industrial sales and soon after he owned and operated House of O'Brien beer wholesaler where he received numerous national Awards including the Golden Horseshoe Award for being the top Olympia beer distributor in the nation. For many years Pete was owner of Pete's True Value Hardware. He finished his career in insurance as part owner of Wilkinson Insurers. In the early 80's, Pete was successful repealing the Blue Law in Greene County, which allows stores to sell goods on Sunday. If wasn't for Pete, the mall and other durable goods store's would not be open on Sundays. Along with his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Sarah Dillard; son, Jason Nichols and his wife Carrie, all of Springfield; sister, Nancy Brooke and her husband Larry of Jackson Tenn.; stepbrother, David Nichols and wife Cathie, Austin, Texas; brother-in-law, Dick Kay and his wife Rina, Kansas City, Mo. Grandchildren, Jessica, Casey, and Jamie Dillard, Parker and Mia Nichols, and many other nieces and nephews that he loved dearly. Pete didn't know a stranger and was always the bright spot in any crowd or group of people. Our Special thanks to his special friends who provided much support during his illness, Mike Claypool, Paul Rich, Roy Holland, Judy Huntsman, Gary Dukewits and Evelyn Wilkerson. Thank you Jesse James (Omega Hospice) and Steve Boudin (The Maples) for the extra special care for Pete. Visitation will be Tuesday, January 12, 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Gorman Scharpf Brentwood Chapel, 1947 E Seminole. Services will be Wednesday, January 13 at 11 a.m. in King's Way United Methodist Church, 2401 S. Lone Pine. A private burial will be held in Kansas City, Thursday, in Highland Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be made to King's Way United Methodist Church, 2401 S. Lone Pine, Springfield, MO 65804.
