Charles Leon Nichols was born in Wagoner, OK on September 9, 1937 to Kermit Clay Nichols and Ethel Lorraine (Meeks) Nichols. As Leon's father worked for the railroad, the family moved to Vinita, OK where Leon graduated from high school in 1955. He joined the 45 ^th Army National Guard from 1959-1962.

Leon married the former Ruth Ovene Becker on June 2, 1960. Their first home was in Vinita until they moved to Dewey so Leon could manage the Carters Food Center there. In 1966 the family moved to Wagoner, OK to manage the new store. The family settled in Wagoner and became members of the First United Methodist Church. Leon was past president of the Wagoner Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Wagoner City Council and past president of Rotary International.

In 1978 Leon and Ruth decided to open the Joyland Childcare Center, where he worked until his retirement preparing meals and taking kids to school. Over the years their home was open to several foster children.

Leon enjoyed golfing, keeping a clean car, and loved his dogs and kiddos.

Leon departed this life on Friday, April 16 at the age of 83 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lorene (Meeks) and Kermit Clay Nichols; his son, Sterling Leon Nichols; grandson, Cory Nichols and brother, Cleon Nichols.

Survivors include his wife, Ruth Nichols; daughter and son-in-law, Becky and Ronnie Rice and their family, Susan Reid, Ethan and Abbey, Matt and Michael Rice-Krans, Kaia and Josie, Brianne and Dan Doublin, Ardin and Imogen and Cindy and J.D. Hall and Jack; son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Melinda Nichols and their family, April and Jentry Smith, Allison and Kaden, Brooke and Zack Guinn, Justin Horton and Cayleigh and Carter Nichols; daughter-in-law, Brenda Nichols and her family, Brandy and Austin Branscum, Gabe, Wyatt and Peyton, David and Heather Bailey, Ethan and Shelby; daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Brian Walters and Dane; siblings, Margaret Money, Mary and Raymond Chapman, Larry and Beverly Nichols, Shirley Dixon, and Betty Pitts; other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services for Leon of Wagoner, OK, will be at 10:30 am Tuesday, April 20, 2021 in the Chapel at Mallett Funeral Home in Wagoner, OK. Officiating will be Dr. Jack Aldridge.

Interment will follow in Bennett Addition of Elmwood Cemetery.

Viewing will be from 2-7 pm Monday at Mallett Funeral Home.