John Robert Nichols

John Robert Nichols, 75, of rural Pettis County, Nelson, MO, passed away on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at The University of Kansas Medical Center from complications of acral lentiginous melanoma.

Born May 29, 1950, in Hughesville, MO, he was the son of the late John D Nichols and Mary Ruth Leimkuehler Nichols. On April 21, 1984, in Marshall, MO, he was united in marriage to Sara Caton, who resides in the home.

John lived in rural Pettis County his entire life, graduating from Northwest High School in 1968 as valedictorian, an accomplishment he never mentioned until his daughter did the same 40 years later. In 1972 he graduated from Missouri Valley College with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, graduating summa cum laude. After college, he began his dream occupation of farming, taking great pride in raising quality hogs and cattle.

In addition to his wife, Sara, John is survived by his daughter, Noel Nichols DeJarnette and her husband, Andrew, and a granddaughter, Finley Ann DeJarnette. Being Daddy to Noel and GPa to Finley were his greatest accomplishments. He loved spending time with his three girls.

In honoring John's wishes, a private family service will be held with inurnment at Miller's Chapel Cemetery, located close to his home. An online guestbook is available at www.reafuneralservice.com. Memorials are suggested to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital or Miller's Chapel Cemetery in the care of Rea Funeral Home.