John Garland Nichols

Ava, Missouri

John Garland Nichols, 76 years, 11 months, and 27 days old, passed away from a long illness on March 28, 2025, at his home.

John was born March 31, 1948, in Sidney, Ohio, to Harold and Ima Faye (Brooks) Nichols.

John was a U.S. Army Veteran and served during the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1969. He was a Bronze Star recipient.

On February 27, 1993, John and Rebecca Jesse Huffaker were united in marriage in Lufkin, Texas, and together were blessed with three children.

John was retired from working as a maintenance supervisor for Lufkin Industries in Lufkin, Texas. He worked there for 15 years.

John enjoyed tinkering on anything with an engine. He loved working on go-karts to mini-bikes. His joy was being with his family and he loved watching his kids and grandkids in all their endeavors.

John's legacy of love and his humor will live on in his family and those who knew him.  He will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Jason and Shawn; and his sister, Pearl.

John is survived by his wife, Rebecca; children and their spouses, Nicole and James Markle of Lufkin, Texas, Ashley and Ryan Breshears of Ava, Missouri, and Jacob Nichols and his fiancé, Jasmyn McGinnis of Champion, Missouri; four grandchildren, Hayden, Jason, Ryker, and Adeline; father-in-law, Paul Huffaker; extended family and friends.

Memorial services for John will be Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, Missouri, with military honors by the U.S. Army and Troy Herd American Legion Post 112. Visitation will be prior to the service at 1:00 P.M.