Paul Nichols

A. Paul Nichols, 81, of Independence, MO went to be with Jesus on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024. Funeral services will be held at Speaks Suburban Chapel in Independence, MO on April 4, 2024 at 10:00am. Lifelong friend, Pastor Don Rasmussen will officiate. Visitation is at 9:00am. Burial will be at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO at 2:00pm.

Paul was born February 6, 1493, “I mean, 1943,” in Douglas, AZ to Paul J. and Nell Nichols. He proudly served in the United States Army for 3 years. He studied journalism and writing at Multnomah School of the Bible in Portland, OR.

Paul was a man of many trades. He had a long career in the fine dining industry but his first love was writing. He was a technical writer for the cotton and ballistics industries. Paul was a published author with two books under his belt: Just Seven Blocks from the Mexican Border and Beautifuller.

Paul married Gloria Taccati in 1963. They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary -- a testament to their love and dedication to each other and their family.

Paul was an avid baseball fan and loved the Texas Rangers and especially the New York Yankees. He was proud to have known Micky Mantle and tell stories of their conversations. Everyone who knew Paul, enjoyed his ‘punny’ and goofy sense of humor. He loved a good “dad joke!”

Paul was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Noel Nichols.

Paul is survived by his wife, Gloria Nichols; his children Mike Nichols and wife Sherley of Lawrenceville, GA; Marcie Dancy and husband Wes of Nevada, MO; Amy Lester and husband Kurt of Amarillo, TX; his brother Neal Nichols and wife Beverly of Overland Park, KS and his sister Ruth Felske and husband Arnie of Chicago, IL. Paul loved being a grandaddy to the best grandchildren ever -- Meghan and Isabelle Oldham, Sean, Josh and Ben Nichols; Mike, Nick and Mari Lusareta; Jake and Darby Lester; and step-grand children, Tyler Dancy and wife Sara and their daughters, Elise and Autumn Dancy; Kalia Lamb and husband Chris and their daughters, Korynn and Raelyn. He had many, many beloved nieces and nephews.

Paul’s love for the Lord was passed down to all of his family and was evident in his walk with Jesus. We can smile with love knowing he has been reunited with his parents and brother after so many years. He will be greatly missed by many.