David Len Nichols

David Len Nichols, 68, of Dewey, passed away after a sudden illness on Monday, May 20, 2024, in Bartlesville. David was born May 9, 1956, in San Benito, Texas, to Elzie Lee and Ethel Marie (Smith) Nichols. After the family moved to Wilson, Oklahoma, when he was a child, David attended Wilson Public Schools, where he met Gwen Adams in the seventh grade. The high school sweethearts married on May 3, 1974, in Gainesville, Texas. The couple skipped school that day to get married and then attended their Senior High Prom the next day. A week later they graduated high school. David and Gwen enjoyed 50 years of loving marriage, having celebrated the event with family and friends a few weeks ago. After working in the oilfield for a couple of years, David attended classes at OSU-Okmulgee and earned his associate degree in (EET) electrical engineering technology. David went to work for Applied Automation (Phillips Petroleum) in Bartlesville immediately after his graduation. Though the company went through many acquisitions, eventually ending with ABB, he worked there for 43 years and was able to travel all over the world working with customers to solve issues until he retired in 2019. David was an avid hunter and fisherman but loved spending time with his grandchildren most of all. He also enjoyed playing the fiddle. He recently took up learning the mandolin. He also liked gardening and working on his land, including mowing and working on his tractor. Most importantly, his favorite pastime was tormenting and playing with his grandchildren. He never missed their sporting events. His family was the most important thing in his world. David and the rest of the men in his family were joined by a couple of his friends for breakfast every Friday morning. He was a member of the Dewey Lions Club, holding several offices during his 30 years and cooking a lot of hamburgers. He also volunteered with the Friends of Dewey Parks committee, helping to improve the condition of the Dewey parks for everyone. David is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Gwen; two sons, David Nichols Jr. and wife Melyn of Dewey, and Adam Nichols and wife Amanda of Dewey; three siblings, Elzie Nichols Jr. and wife Marsha of Lone Grove, Oklahoma, Peggy Lowery of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Ronnie Nichols and wife Annette of Ada, Oklahoma; three grandchildren, Chris Williams, Lacey Nichols, and Bailey Nichols; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Denise Williams. In lieu of flowers, the family suggested memorial donations to Friends of the Dewey Park Association, 315 E. Don Tyler, Dewey, OK 74029. David’s family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Davis Family Funeral Home, 113 S. Osage Ave., Dewey, OK 74029, 918-534-3030. Visitation will also be held that same day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 24, 2024, at the First Baptist Church, Ramona, with Pastor Leonard Nichols officiating. Interment will follow at the Dewey Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Carter Davis and Davis Family Funeral Home – Dewey Chapel. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com.

David Len Nichols

May 9, 1956 - May 20, 2024