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Creel Amel "C.A." Nichols, Orion, died in Oklahoma City, surrounded by his family, on October 29, 2016. He was 77 years old.

C.A. was born Dec. 23, 1938, in his Grandma and Grandpa Wilcox's house west of Fairview, to Cecil and Geneva (Wilcox) Nichols. Even though he was an only child, his numerous friends were his siblings. During school, he enjoyed many activities, including taking care of and showing livestock. C.A. was a Junior Master Farmer and president of his high school FFA chapter. He graduated from Fairview High School in 1956. C.A. went on to continue his education at Oklahoma State University, majoring in mechanical engineering and architecture.

Everyone who knew C.A. knew how incredibly smart he was when it came to mathematics. He could figure out answers to problems when other people didn't have a clue. While he went to school, he worked at a Phillips 66 gas station and delivered newspapers, as well as participating in ROTC. He graduated second in his class from OSU in December 1960.

In 1956, C.A. married Patricia "Pat" Lea Pierce on December 29th. Their marriage welcomed three children: Michael Kent in 1961, Thomas Bruce in 1963, and Kimberly Kay in 1967. They remained together until Pat's death in August of 1996.

C.A.'s career was one well-traveled. He began working after college at Boeing. After a short time of working for United States Gypsum (USG), he decided to buy the local hardware store in Seiling in 1979. While running the hardware store, C.A. was an active member of the Seiling School Board. He firmly believed in education and was a strong advocate. After the hardware store, C.A. went back to work for USG. He worked as an engineering superintendent for more than 30 years. After retiring from USG, C.A. continued to work different engineering jobs throughout his life.

He was instrumental in the building of Elm Grove Community Church and other numerous commercial and private landmarks. He left his mark on many of the buildings that you see around the area.

In 1997, C.A. married Dian Painton on January 15th. Their marriage resulted in 19 years of love and happiness. They made an annual trip to Branson, which was the only time that C.A. took off from work in a year.

In addition to his illustrious career, C.A. was an amazing father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Every chance he got, he told his children and grandchildren that he was proud of them.

With what little leisure time he had, he loved to play baseball and draw house plans.

C.A accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at a young age and he continued to serve the Lord any chance he got. He was an active member of the Orion Baptist Church, where he taught Bible Study and Sunday school for many years.

C.A. is survived by his wife Dian, of the home, three children: Michael and Pam Nichols, of Seiling; Tom and Lori Nichols, of Seiling; and Kimberly and Chuck Nordquist, of Yukon; three step sons: Greg and Lisa Worley, of Lahoma; Paul and Sharla Worley, of Fairview; and Rick and Robin Worley, of Olathe, Kan.; beloved grandchildren: Jeremy and Sara Nichols; Zachary and Rochelle Nichols; Bethaney and Blake Carlisle; Eric and Stefany Nichols; Luke Nichols; Caitlin and Jordan Bedwell; Jessica and David Wehner; Jacob Schlarb; Andrea Nordquist; Jonathon Nordquist; Kelsey and Keith Nelson; Kinsey and Tyler Young; Kassey Worley; Sean and Randi Worley; 20 great-grandchildren; and one sister-in-law, Dorothy Smith, of Wichita, Kan.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Geneva Nichols and his wife, Patty Nichols.

The funeral is 1:30 p.m.Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016, at Elm Grove Community Church. Interment follows in Hope Cemetery, under the direction of Pierce Funeral Home, Fairview. Visitation with the family present is 6-8 p.m. this evening, Nov. 2, 2016, at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Orion Baptist Church Building Fund or Hope Cemetery, with the funeral home serving as custodian, Pierce Funeral Home, P.O. Box 15, Fairview, OK 73737.

Condolences may be made online at www.PierceFuneralHomes.com.

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