Vernon Lee Nichols, 86, of Springfield, Missouri passed away on February 8, 2021. He was born in
Colorado Springs, CO on March 28, 1934 to Chester A. and Honey J. (Finley) Nichols.

He was raised in San Antonio TX. After graduation he joined the US Air Force serving in the Korean War
and receiving an honorable discharge in 1957 and several medals. Vernon experienced his life to the
fullest. He was retired from Dayco Products (currently Timkin CO) after 37 years as an Industrial
Engineer. Vernon was a Greene County Deputy Sheriff, a fire chief, a wood worker, wood carver,
locksmith, an EMT and a storm chaser. He loved working outside and in the garden. Vernon also loved
his dogs but his cat, "Sox" was his sidekick companion. He was a member of several lodges but the
Masonic lodge was his passion and he held several degrees, he was also a member of Abou Ben Adhem
Shriners. Vernon was blessed to be in the comfort of his own home and was surrounded by his family,
friends, cat "Sox" and his dogs.

He is preceded by his parents; daughter, Mari L. Lumbert and his wife, Bobbie L. Ray.

Survivors include his children, Honey L. Nichols, William and Regina Lumbert and Debbi Johnson;
grandchildren, Joshua and Bailey Rapp, Michael L. Beeson, Bexi Brosam, Amanda Lumbert, Bobbie
Lumbert, Jeanie Brake, Cory Johnson, Jennifer McIntosh and Keri Dunaway Robson; and 8 great
grandchildren.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, February 19, 2021 at 2:00 pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church (1115
N. Campbell Ave Springfield, MO 65802). Visitation will also be at the church from 12:30-1:30 pm. A
burial will follow in White Chapel Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at www.klingnerfuneralhome.com