Sterling Leon Nichols, born June 17, 1966 passed from this life to life everlasting on Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at the age of 53. Sterling is survived by his parents Leon and Ruth Nichols of Wagoner, Oklahoma as well as his best friend, soulmate, and loving wife, Brenda of the home. He is also survived by his son, David Bailey and his wife Heather, their children Ethan and Shelby; and daughter, Brandy Branscum and her husband Austin, their children Gabe, Wyatt and Peyton, all of Muskogee, Oklahoma.  Sterling leaves behind his sister, Becky Nichols-Rice and husband, Ronnie; brother, Gary Nichols and his wife, Melinda all of Wagoner and sister, Amy Nichols-Walters and her husband, Brian, of Tulsa. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Betty Ridenour of Wagoner, as well as many nieces and nephews, other extended family, and many, many friends.

Sterling was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. K.C. Nichols of Vinita and Mr. and Mrs. M.D. Becker of Commerce; father-in-law, Aaron Ridenour of Poteau; and nephew, Corey Dale Nichols of Wagoner.

Sterling began his life in Wagoner, OK and while he never lived far away, his influence on the lives of countless individuals spans the globe. Sterling worked for a short while in the construction and manufacturing industry as a welder before finding his true calling in EMS. He began as an EMT with Wagoner EMS before beginning work with EMSA in Tulsa as a Paramedic as well as Cherokee Nation EMS, Tahlequah. In 1988 Sterling began as an Intermediate EMT with Muskogee County EMS and stayed there for 29 years, working his way up as a Paramedic, central supervisor, QA officer, and eventually as the Assistant Director, a position he held for 23 years. After retiring in 2017, he joined Pafford EMS of Oklahoma as the Regional Director for Tulsa and Rogers County and held this title until his death.

Sterling often commented about how retirement was not for him and how grateful he was to spend his remaining career years with a new company. After leading in the governmental EMS world for many years it was a very nice change of pace to work for a company that gave him the opportunity to expand his knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of how innovative EMS could be.

Among Sterling's leadership roles in EMS, he was active on the Muskogee County 911 planning committee, the Northeastern Oklahoma Trauma Advisory Committee and, at the time of his death, Sterling was the Northeast Regional Director for the Board of Directors of the Oklahoma Ambulance Association. Sterling won many commendations and awards for his service to EMS but one of his proudest professional achievements was overseeing and directing the Mass Casualty Incident at Camp Gruber for the Hurricane Katrina Evacuation. Sterling mentored and taught hundreds of EMT's and EMT students throughout his career. His dedication to professionalism, accountability, and expertise in patient care was second to none. The influence he held on his employees, his co-workers, and his peers will live on in the lives of all who knew him.

When Sterling was not overseeing EMS, he was either riding his Harley with his wife Brenda by his side, working on their house, hunting, or golfing. One of his very favorite past times was working with his horses and watching Peyton learn to barrel race. He spent many evenings and weekends cheering his grandchildren on to victory in their many activities. His grandchildren were the light of his life, and they each had a special place in his heart. Sterling was well-known to work hard and play hard. He did not abide idleness in himself or in others. If was often said that Sterling was probably the originator of the phrase, "if you've got time to lean, you've got time to clean." Sterling like a clean ship and anyone who worked for him knew it. When Sterling came around a corner, employees hurried to pick up a broom, straighten a shelf, or look like they were studying a textbook. Sterling also never asked anyone to do anything he wouldn't do himself. Many times during the early years in Muskogee, Sterling could be found changing an alternator in an ambulance, washing and waxing it, or restocking shelves. There was a gentle side to Sterling that was hard to miss. He was the consummate professional, but he also had a soft heart for those in need. He gave of his time and his money to any employees with an unexpected need or crisis in their life. He loaned his personal vehicle, tools, money, and other necessities to so many friends and employees and never told anyone. He didn't look for accolades, he simply wanted to help someone in need. This is Sterling. He gave fully of himself to his family, his friends, and to the world through his service to EMS and he will never be forgotten.

The Memorial Service for Sterling will be Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at 10:30 am at Wagoner High School in the Performing Arts Center. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jordan Stevens, Johnny Alberty and Thomas BeBee. There will not be a graveside service or an interment. EMS services wishing to join in the celebration of Sterling's life may participate in the processional from Mallett Funeral Home, 417 E. Cherokee, Wagoner, OK to Wagoner HS prior to the service. Please contact Mechele Cruz with Pafford EMS at 918-685-0289 for additional details.

In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, donations may be made to Kids Space (Muskogee County Child Advocacy Center) 400 Court St., Muskogee, OK 74401.