Lee Wayne Nichols, age 86, lifelong resident of the town of Hutchins, died on Monday, December 29, 2025 at Rose Mary Manor in Mattoon. He was born on June 16, 1939 a son of the late Mervin and Marcella (Johnson) Nichols. He married Dona Fry on September 21, 1962 at Tacoma, Washington.
He was a graduate of Mattoon High School, class of 1957. Lee served in the United States Army National Guard. He was a supervisor at Wisconsin Veneer and Plywood Mill in Mattoon where he had worked for 43 years. He retired in 2002. In retirement he worked as a greeter at Walmart in Antigo until January of 2007.
He was a member of the Church of the Nazarene in Mattoon. Lee enjoyed spending time with family and friends, waving at every car that went by, and collecting tractors.
Survivors include his wife, Dona; three sons, Jerry (Carla) Nichols of Birnamwood, Lee (Shannon) Nichols of Portage, and Michael (Heidi) Nichols of Antigo; a son-in-law, Wayne (Jessica) Hapke of Wittenberg; 11 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Alice Nichols of Birnamwood.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Rhonda Hapke; a brother, Marlin Nichols; and a sister in infancy, Carmin Nichols.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 2 at 11 a.m. at Mattoon Church of the Nazarene with Reverend Bill L. Jones officiating. Burial will take place in the spring at Woodlawn Cemetery, Mattoon. Visitation will be Friday, January 2 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the church.
Bradley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences at www.bradleyfh.com.
