MERVIN EUGENE NICHOLS

Mervin Eugene Nichols, "Merv",89, formerly of Avonmore and Echo, Pa, went to be with our Lord and Savior, February 25, 2018. His beloved Sister, Gladys and Daughter Laurie were by his side at DuBois Nursing Home, where he had been a resident for the past 4 years.

Mr. Nichols was the son of Ambrose and Marguerite (Wiley) Nichols and was born on February 19, 1929 in Punxsutawney. He was married to Betty (Hartzell) on September 22, 1979, who preceded his in death on April 3, 2009.

Mr. Nichols was a graduate of Punxsutawney High School, class of 1948. He proudly served his country with the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He was Protestant Faith and a member of the Church of the Nazarene, Saltsburg, PA.

Merv was an excellent auto mechanic/body man and metal fabricating engineer. He was very skilled and self-taught in both fields. He loved spending time in his garage and "tinkering" on cars throughout his life. After his retirement, he worked at Skovenski's Garage outside Avonmore. He was employed for many years, and retired from, Nicholson Welding and MFC in Ford City. Prior to then, he worked in Kittanning at Ferguson Fabricating. Merv was problem solver, taking on the more difficult and near impossible fabricating jobs. He loved antique automobiles and was a member of the American Antique Automobile Association for many years. He has collected many die-cast antique and classic vehicles. He enjoyed watching RFD TV and How It's Made. He loved listening to classic county music and the Gaither's. He also enjoyed hunting and loved camping while his children were growing up.

Mr. Nichols is survived by one Sister &endash; Gladys Thomas of Dubois, formerly of Punxsutawney; two sons &endash; Kenneth E. Nichols and Douglas A. (Kim) Nichols, both of Echo; two daughters &endash; Laurie M. (George) Leone of DuBois and Debra J. (Dewight) Scott of McKees Rocks; 4 grandchildren &endash; Douglas C. Nichols, Christopher G. Leone, Sara E. Nichols, and Andrew G. Nichols; 3 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Merv is also leaving behind several "Buddies" and very dear to him were the girls and staff at DuBois Nursing Home who cared for him and he came to know and love.

In addition to his wife Betty and his parents, Mr. Nichols was preceded in death by his sister &endash; Pauline Herzog; son &endash; Walter D. Nichols; two grandsons &endash; Joshua and Jeremy Nichols; along with 2 good friends &endash; Clyde Neal and Gene Cogley.

Family will receive friends on Wednesday February 28, 2018 from 4-8 PM at the Carson/Boyer Funeral Home, Inc., 724 W. Main St. Rural Valley, PA. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday March 1, 2018 from the Funeral Home with Pastor Lance Tucker officiating. Burial will take place in Rural Valley Cemetery with full Military Honors.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to DuBois Nursing Home &endash; Memory Lane Activities Fund, 212 S. Eighth St. DuBois, PA 15801.