(As dictated by Dan in October 2025)

Dan L Nichols was born on 01/22/51 in Pender, Nebraska, to Lynn and Nila (Wellman) Nichols. Along with his older siblings, Darrell (Nick) and Carolyn (Nikki), and his younger brother, Larry, the family lived all over Northeast Nebraska, moving about every 2 years, because his parents were pastors with the Assemblies of God.

He graduated from Elkhorn Valley high school in Tilden, Nebraska, class of 1969. Dan spent summers on the combine crew with his brothers and their uncles, Merle Herman and Bob Nichols. Dan enjoyed it - other than Uncle Bob was “sometimes a jerk”, but, then again, he was a Nichols.

Dan enlisted in the Army in the fall of 1969, doing his basic training at Fort Louis in Washington state. After basic, Dan transferred to Fort Benning, Georgia, for advanced infantry training before he shipped out for Vietnam, where he was an aircraft hydraulics repairman. Dan’s favorite part of the job was flying tests flights - yes, he flew the helicopter, writing home to “not tell mom because she would worry”. Later, he was promoted to Sergeant of the Guard of the airstrip.

After Vietnam, Dan was at Fort Riley, Kansas, until his honorable discharge in 1973 and was then in the National Guard in Lincoln, Nebraska, for 3 months.

In September 1973, Dan married Rebekah (Beckie) Pinkston and they had two children, Krista (Kryz) and Eric. They are also proud grandparents to 3 grandchildren, Zoey, Gabriella (Gabby) and Rylynn, and 2 ‘almost’ grandchildren, Dusti and Cinch.

Dan always looked out for Kryz and Eric’s friends, becoming a second dad to many. Dan and Beckie fostered multiple children over the years; Jim, Linda, Ben and Betty remain close. Dan and Beckie also had in-home daycare that brought them a bounty of special families and children who are still held dear.

Dan worked a few jobs before moving to Lexington, Nebraska, working for Sperry New Holland as a welder.

He later retired from Eaton Corporation in Kearney, Nebraska, where he worked for many years as preventive maintenance and was also on the volunteer fire squad as an EMT.

After retirement, Dan enjoyed traveling, including hauling and delivering miniature pontoons for AG Dryer from coast to coast and nearly everywhere in between. Dan drove grain trucks during harvest for Tim Rowe of Elwood, Tony Schroeder of Lexington and Ted Pfister of Overton.

Dan passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, in Grand Island, Nebraska, nearly one year after a cancer diagnosis quickly learned it was dealing with someone who never really did play by the rules.

To his brother and his cousins, he loves you and appreciates all the good times growing up and all the care and concern during this difficult time of traveling home.

To his family and friends, “Don’t anyone fret for me, I’m in heaven and you need to get here too.” (Direct quote)

To his grandchildren, he is very proud of you and what you are achieving in your lives. He has enjoyed watching you grow into kind and loving adults and wants to see you in heaven.

He “kind of said this all in my own words,” also his quote.

Dan is survived by his family, dear friends and immeasurable loved ones who supported his journey through life and, in recent months, preparing to leave for his eternal life.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother Donald, his older sister Nikki, brother-in-law Moses, brother-in-law Llew, his older brother Nick, parents-in-law Ellis and Helen Pinkston, brother-in-law Larry Pinkston, sisters-in-law Peggy Jo Flood and Deborah Ahlman.

Burial with Military Honors will be on Friday, January 23,2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska.

Memorial service and lunch will be held Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at The Well in Lexington, Nebraska.

Memorials in Dan’s name are suggested to Grand Island Veterans Affairs Community Living Center, Holdrege Veterans Affairs, Dawson County Hero Flight (via Lexington Community Fund affiliate funds) or Combat Warriors Nebraska.

DC Hero Flight: https://www.lexfoundation.org/who-we-are/lcf-affiliate-funds.html

Combat Warriors NE: https://combatwarriorsne.org/

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com