ED NICHOLS

KANSAS - Emmett Edward Nichols left this world and walked through Heavens Gates on Friday, May 29, 2020 at 12:45 pm. Ed was born December 21, 1936 to Eldon Monroe and Nona Faye (Summers) Nichols at their home near Wapella, IL.  He lived in and around Wapella all of his childhood.  He graduated from Waynesville, IL Township High School in 1954.  He married Janice Lucille Everett on March 31, 1956 in LeRoy, IL.

He is survived by four sons, David (Dena) Nichols of Westfield, IL, Michael (Julie) Nichols of Greenview, IL, Steven Nichols of Paris, IL, and Mark (Carol) Nichols of Kansas, IL.  He is survived by eight grandchildren, Amy Nichols, Chad Nichols, Jeremiah (Elana) Nichols, Sarah (Jake) Tierney, Jason (Chelsea) Nichols, Samantha (Josh) Center, Josiah (Cassandra) Nichols, Michelle (Thomas) Rieke and eight great grandchildren. Ed is also survived by two brothers, Merle (Judy) Nichols of Decatur, IL, and Fred (Linda) Nichols of Eva, AL and one sister, Peggy (Richard) Deffenbaugh of Monticello, IL.

After his marriage to Janice, he worked at a variety of jobs until he entered the Ministry at the age of 27.   He began preaching in June, 1964 at the Christian Church in Sidney, IL.  In April of 1969, he started his ministry, at First Church of Christ in Potomac, IL.  In the fall of 1972 he began the work of promoting the work of the Indian Christian Mission in Show Low, AZ.  During this time Ed, Janice and the boys lived in Kansas, IL, where they lived until his death.

In February, 1974 he became the preacher at State Line Christian Church near Paris, IL.  During his time there, he assisted the congregation to build a new building. Ed and Janice became a part of African Christian Mission in November, 1977.  They spent four years in Zaire, Africa where Ed built Church buildings and helped to disciple a group of young men who are still faithfully serving the Lord today.

He spent fourteen years as the Stateside Representative for ACM before becoming one of their missionaries in Nigeria, West Africa.  He lived in the U. S. and made trips to Nigeria where he worked at training young preachers and Church leaders the rest of his life.

He was preceded in death by his wife Janice; three sisters, Nelda, Frances, and Gerry; and one brother, Cletus.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Private burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Kansas, Illinois.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kansas Christian Church Missions, P.O Box 301, Kansas, IL  61933.  Please specify on the memo line African Leadership Scholarship or Tracy's Heart.  Arrangements: Harper-Swickard.