Douglas R. Nichols, Sr.

Douglas R. Nichols, Sr., 71, of Elkhart, passed away Thursday August 6, 2026 at Ernestine Raclin House, Center for Hospice in Mishawaka. He was born June 27, 1955 in Valparaiso, IN to Arthur and Ida Mae Nichols.

Doug was a truck driver for Himco for over 41 years as a trashman. He was a Member of Teamsters Union, Local #465, American Legion Post 161 in Mishawaka and Moose Lodge #836 in Goshen, IN. Doug enjoyed camping at the Goshen Moose Campground. He enjoyed watching NASCAR, where his favorite driver was Dale Jarrett. He enjoyed listening to country music, especially George Jones. Most of all Doug loved to spend time with his family and friends.

Surviving are his children, Douglas R. (Bella) Nichols, Jr of Paw Paw, MI and Cindy (Jamie) Posey of Elkhart, IN, his companion Pam Dorrier of Elkhart, IN; grandchildren Elijah Morris, Isaiah Morris, Brianna Nichols, Desirae Nichols, Rebecca (Scott) Kelver, Josh (Amanda) Burnett and Micaela (David) Sissom, several great-grandchildren and his siblings, Patti (Dale) Halverstadt of North Carolina, Diane (Ray) Timmons of Elkhart, IN and Donald Ray Nichols of Alabama. Doug was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Ida Nichols, granddaughter Rebekah Burnett and his companion Pam's son Jason Dorrier.

Visitation will be 11am to 1pm on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514 where a memorial service will be at 1pm with Pastor Shirley Fox officiating. In memory of Doug memorial donations may be made to Riley Hospital for Children, 705 Riley Hospital Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202 www.rileykids.org  Online condolences may be made to his family at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com