Richard J. Nichols, 87, of Elyria passed away Monday January 9, 2012 at the New Life Hospice Center of St. Joseph in Lorain following a long illness. He was born November 19, 1924 in Elyria and was a lifelong Elyria resident. Richard worked at Gaydos Welding and Fabrication in Berea, retiring in 1979. He was a former member of St. Agnes Catholic Church in Elyria, a W.W. II Army veteran, a member of AMVETS Post 32 in Elyria, and was a former Boy Scout leader. He enjoyed operating his CB, camping and fishing. Survivors include his daughter, Sharon (Rich) Tokarczyk of Lorain; sons, Tom (Barb) Nichols of Amherst and Ron (Cheri) Nichols of Parma; 8 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sister, Gedill Behner of Elyria. He was preceded in death by his wife Winifred in 2008, son, Patrick Nichols in 1946 and a granddaughter, Marie Tokarczyk in 1979. There will be no visitation. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday at 12:00 p.m. at the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. (at State Rt. 57), Elyria. 440-322-4626. Chaplain Kevin J. Cleary Sr. of AMVETS Post 32 will Officiate. Burial will be private. In liue of flowers memorial contributions may be made to New Life Hospice 5255 North Abbe Rd., Elyria or to AMVETS Post 32 11087 Middle Ave., Elyria. Online condolences may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com.. Service: 12:00 PM Sunday January 22, 2012 Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Elyria, OH.