Montezuma - Merle Manford Nichols was born on November 7, 1933 to Noah and Frances (Koehn) Nichols in Copeland.  He peacefully went to his heavenly home on February 5, 2020 at Bethel Home in Montezuma, reaching the age of 86 years.

Manford was the oldest of eleven children.  Growing up in rural Haskell County he attended Lakeview Country School. He enjoyed history and spelling.

At the age of eleven, dad accepted God's call and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite, on December 18, 1944 by Minister Herman Mininger at Copeland. His faith was precious to him and he remained faithful to the end. Dad's love for the Lord was manifested in the quiet way he cared for those who were reaching out. Dad was called to Alternative Service in Baltimore, Maryland, which was a highlight in his life. He made lasting friendships which he treasured. Dad enjoyed time spent working on CDR and Bethel Home boards. He was a lover of singing and was a song leader for many years. Due to failing health, dad spent his last two years in Bethel Home where he appreciated their loving care for him.

He was married to me, Deloris Jean Schmidt, on December 14, 1958 by Minister David J. Koehn in Montezuma.  We enjoyed 61 years together. We were blessed with a family of one son and three daughters.  God provided a way for us to make a living on the farm. Dad enjoyed all aspects of farm life having a practical way of facing the challenges it brought.  As a couple we traveled, seeing various countries abroad.  In his lifetime he traveled to all fifty states.

Those left to cherish memories of him are his wife, Deloris of Montezuma; children, Jerry and Christy of Sublette; Cyndi and Willis Troyer of Apple Creek, Ohio; Melanie and Lance Johnson of Sublette; son-in-law, Steve and Shirley Nightingale of Ulysses; seven brothers, Howard Nichols of Montezuma; Milton Nichols and wife Joann of Elkton, South Dakota; Clayton Nichols of Buhler, Missouri; Chester Nichols and wife Connie of Branson, Missouri; Lester Nichols and wife Sondra of Canon City, Colorado; Wilford Nichols and wife Jackie of Copeland; Milford Nichols and wife Peggy of Miamisburg, Ohio; two sisters, Valetta Koehn and husband John of Copeland and Velda Wedel and husband Darrell of Spavinaw, Oklahoma; fourteen grandchildren; and twenty-two great grandchildren.  Preceding him in death were his parents; one daughter, Rhonda; one sister, Joyce Wiebe; two sisters-in-law; and two brothers-in-law.

Funeral service will be held at Salem Mennonite Church, Copeland on Sunday, February 9, 2020 at 10:30 AM with ministers Kelsey Unruh, Sam Unruh, and Charles Schmidt presiding.  Burial will follow at Salem Mennonite Cemetery.  Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Montezuma on Saturday, February 8, 2020 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.  Memorials are suggested to Bethel Home in care of the funeral home.  Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.