Edward "Ed" Allen Nichols, 60, of Adrian Missouri, passed away Monday May 27, 2013 at his home. A memorial visitation will be held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Saturday, June 1 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Adrian. Private family inurnment will be in Crescent Hill Cemetery in Adrian. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ed Nichols Memorial Fund, c/o Atkinson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 325, Adrian, MO 64720.

Ed was born January 18, 1953 in Nevada Missouri, the youngest of three children born to George Eldon and Mary Edna (Roberts) Nichols. He grew up in Rich Hill and worked at the Rich Hill Cemetery with his father and sold Grit papers in his youth. In July of 1974, Ed began his career with Crescent Hill Cemetery. He then married Carol Duane and had two daughters and one stepson. He later divorced in 1993.

On December 10, 1994, Ed remarried to Helen Smith and gained one stepson and two stepdaughters. In his spare time Ed loved to go camping, fishing, hunting and spending time with his wife, kids and grandchildren. Ed knew no stranger. He always opened his home and heart to anyone in need.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Enoch Nichols. He is survived by his wife, Helen, of the home; six children, Matthew Wright and Kenny Smith, both of the home, Mary Nichols and Debbie Irvin of Drexel Missouri, Jenny Nichols of Butler Missouri and Tonya Spears of Adrian, Missouri; one brother, Leo Nichols of Rich Hill Missouri; 12 grandchildren; 1 great-grandson; several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.