Larry Dean Nichols

Larry Dean Nichols of Alton passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2020, at the age of 78.

He was born August 17, 1941 in the family home near Alton. He grew up on the family farm northwest of Alton, attended Liberty Bell grade school, and graduated from Alton High School in 1959. After high school, Larry attended Kansas State University, majoring in Architecture. While at K-State Larry met Pat Ludington. They were married September 22, 1962 and moved back to Alton where he worked the family farm with his father. Larry and Pat had two children, Reneé and Karen. Pat passed away in 2014.

Larry was very active with the Osborne County Fair Board, Osborne School Board, Alton Fire Department, Alton Pride, Kansas Western Horseman’s Association, and the Liberty Bell 4-H Club.

Larry later met Karen Rigby and they enjoyed spending their retirement years together on the farm and traveling the United States on bus tours. They also enjoyed the Fort Hays Theater and other community social actives.

He is survived by his best friend and partner, Karen Rigby, Alton; his daughter Reneé Nichols, Walker; Karen’s children: Richard of Overland Park, Edward of Colorado Springs, CO, and Marie, Topeka; Larry’s two brothers Warren Nichols, Washington, IL and Fred Nichols, Hilltop Lakes, TX; a sister Mary Ann (Nichols) Smith, Tulsa, OK; and two step-grandchildren.

Larry was preceded in death by his wife Pat (Ludington) Nichols; a daughter, Karen Nichols; father, Bernard Nichols; and mother, Wilma (Earl) Nichols.

A private funeral mass was held Monday, April 27, 2020, at Keithley Funeral Home in Hays. A memorial and graveside service will be held in Alton at a later date to be determined.