Francis "Lee" Nichols (Papaw), owner of Lee Nichols Trucking, passed away Saturday, August 19, 2023 at the age of 80 in Wichita, Kansas.

Lee Nichols was born May 5, 1943 in Wellington, KS to Walter and Mary Nichols (Davis).  During his childhood he moved with his family between Missouri and Kansas.  Settling in Wichita, Kansas until he with his wife, children, and grandchildren moved outside of Bentley, Kansas in 1985.

On June 24, 1963 he married Glenda Eaton (Wichita), until her passing on December 28, 1999.  Francis married Loree Chadbourn (Sedgwick) on July 3, 2003.

He was preceded in death by first wife Glenda, second wife Loree, parents Walter and Mary, and son Darren Nichols.

He is survived by his daughter Rhonda Lane, son Aaron Nichols, daughter in-law Derrial, grandchildren Travis (Kelly) Lane, Jared Nichols, Blake (Robyn) Nichols, 2 great-grandchildren, many family and friends.

Lee could always be found tinkering in his shop, mowing lawns, or talking about his family and past.  Lee was a proud trucker driver and outside of his family, owning his own company (Lee Nichols Trucking) was his biggest accomplishment.

Lee enjoyed fishing, playing cards, singing and writing songs, and playing his guitar with his grandson and nephew, having coffee with friends, trips to the casino, caring for animals, and taking car rides. He was a member of Pleasant Valley Church.

A funeral for both Lee and Loree will be at Pleasant Valley Church, 12002 W 109th Street, Sedgwick, KS on August 25, 2023.  Burial services will take place at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Goddard, KS following at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

Baker Funeral Home Valley Center has charge.  Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com