Howard Ellery Nichols

Howard Ellery Nichols, 83, of 18149 Rogers Ferry Rd., Meadville, died peacefully at home Monday, June 28, 2010 surrounded by his loving family following a courageous 6-year battle with cancer.

He was born in Meadville June 16, 1927, a son of the late Robert Will and Iva Hood Nichols.  He married June Butcher, the love of his life, May 14, 1947 and she survives.

Howard attended Meadville Public Schools and was a Veteran of World War II with the US Navy serving in the South Pacific Theater of Operations with the Amphibious Force.  He was employed with the Erie, Erie - Lackawanna, and Conrail Railroads for 33 years, retiring in 1989.  He previously worked for Nehi Bottling Company.

Howard was a member of Bethany United Methodist Church.  He enjoyed yard work, painting, collecting things especially coins, his numerous bus trips with June, and especially spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors, in addition to his wife June of 63 years, include 4 daughters, Bonnie Browder and her husband Sam of Meadville, Lynda Nichols of Meadville, Terri Nichols of Raleigh, NC, and Debby Atkins and her husband Dick of Meadville; a sister, Iva Lee Nichols; a brother, Bruce E. Nichols of Meadville; 5 grandchildren, Karyn Browder, Greg Atkins, Richard Atkins and his wife Melissa, Kimberly Kokoszka and her husband Gunar, and Nichole Bradshaw and her husband Curtis; 16 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours are today (Wednesday) from 6 to 8 p.m. and Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, 581 Chestnut St., Meadville.

The funeral service is Thursday at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Robert Fuller, Pastor of Bethany United Methodist Church officiating.

Interment will be in Greendale Cemetery with military honors provided by Harm Jan Huidekoper VFW Post #2006.

Memorials may be made to Bethany United Methodist Church, 16352 State Hwy 198, Saegertown, PA 16433 or the Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute, 16792 Conneaut Lake Rd., Meadville, PA 16335.