Richard Melvin Nichols

Richard Melvin Nichols of Portage, MI son of V. Hugh Nichols and Teresa Harmon Nichols passed away and entered new life on September 9, 2014. He was a longtime member of St. Monica's Catholic Church. Richard attended St. Joseph's Prep in Bardstown, KY and graduated from Kalamazoo Central. He proudly and bravely served his country as an army medic during the Korean War. Richard was honorably discharded as a corporal. He showed passion for boat racing and won many trophies participating in the Class D Runabout Hydroplane Nationals. Richard was an entrepreneur in real estate and business. He was the owner of California Auto Sales in Portage. Richard is preceded in death by his sister Blanche Nichols Butler of Syosset, NY. His survivors include his sister Marilyn R. Harmon Nichols of the Congregation of St. Joseph, Nazareth, MI; Nephews Richard (Tracy) Butler, Jr. of Hyde Park, NY and Michael (Elysa) Butler of Hermosa Beach, CA; niece Kathryn Butler Laney of Ellington, Fl; grandnieces Nichole Laney Deis, FL and Emily Butler, NY; grandnephews Rich Butler III, NY and Christopher Laney, TX; great-grandniece Ashley and great-grandnephew Derek, NY; great-grandniece Morgan, FL and great-grandnephew Noah, FL and many Harmon cousins in Grand Rapids and Co. Wicklow, Ireland. Friends will be received at 10:30 AM on September 11, 2014 at St. Monica's Catholic Church, where The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 AM. Interment will follow at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Veterans of America or St. Monica's Catholic Church. Arrangements by Redmond Funeral Home, 4100 S. Westnedge Ave. Kalamazoo, MI 49008, 269-343-6156. www.redmondfuneralhomes.net