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The Class of 1961 is grateful to Bob Failing for calling attention to the death of our classmate, Larry Nichols. The following obituary appeared on November 11, 2019, in the Lincoln Journal Star. Our deep condolences go out to Larry's family as we mourn the loss of another classmate.
March 13, 1942 - October 22, 2019
Larry E. Nichols, 77, of Lincoln, March 13, 1942-October 22, 2019. Larry is survived by his daughters, Jamie (Fiancé Chris Lambiase) Nichols, Mabel (Ryan) Hartgerink, and Melinda Nicholson, son, Frank Poskochil, 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents, and wife, Beverly. Funeral service will be 10:00 Wednesday, November 13, 2019 at Metcalf Funeral Home Chapel, 245 N. 27th Street, Lincoln. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service at Metcalf Funeral Home. Memorials may be given to the family for future designation.
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Robert H. Failing
We were together in school K – 12 at Clinton elementary, Whittier Jr high, LHS and the same church, Epworth Methodist.
As I recall it was about the time Larry finished grade school he developed medical issues. He was out of school for at least one year. The medical treatments resulted in amputation of his left hand at the wrist; and on his right hand loss of the thumb and fingers at the first knuckle with the fingers stitched together. He also lost the toes on his left foot. Over the years, Larry showed great bravery. I do not recall Larry lamenting his situation or seeking sympathy-his focus was on being included and what could he do to participate and join in.
With all the time out of school for medical treatments and recovery Larry started Jr high later, making him older than his fellow classmates.
This resulted in Larry reaching driving age before many of us. His parents picked up a used Olds coup and had spinner knob attached to the steering wheel making it easier for him to steer. He would pick up several us and we would each chip in $.25 for gas and go cruising. All the popular drive-ins were always checked out with the A&W on 48th street having young ladies on roller skates being very popular:
Larry’s mom fashioned a leather strap with some slack he could slip over his left wrist enabling him to hold a pool stick and fishing rod so he could join in with the guys.
Larry loved cars-read every car magazine he could find and could identify every car model and tell you it’s unique features. He enjoyed going to drag races held later at the airbase. In keeping with his interests later he worked the counter at an auto parts store.
Larry lived in his own home, which was set up to make him self-sufficient. We kept in touch over the years and made it a point to talk January each year to reminisce and catch up on the latest news about our friends.
In the last few years we enjoyed using our cell phones to hold a three way call, connecting with another friend Larry Thompson. It was Larry Thompson who called me to advise of the passing of Larry Nichols.
Rest in Peace old friend
Bob