Rev. Edward Nichols Jr.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- The Rev. Edward Payson Nichols Jr., 65, died Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009, at The Neighborhoods at Quail Creek in Springfield, where he had resided since 2006.

Nichols was born July 23, 1944, in Corpus Christi, Texas, where his father was stationed as a U.S. Marine Corps flight instructor.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward P. and Jeanne Walsh Nichols II.

Survivors include a sister, Lucy N. French and husband, Dan, and two nephews and a niece, all of Aurora, Mo.

Nichols was ordained a priest June 14, 1975, at St. Agnes Cathedral in Springfield. He served in a number of capacities in the Springfield-Cape Girardeau Diocese, including hospital chaplaincies and the parishes of Our Lady of the Lake in Branson, Holy Trinity Parish in Springfield, St. Mary's Cathedral in Cape Girardeau, SS. Peter and Paul Parish in Pulaskifield, St. Mark Parish in Houston, St. Vincent de Paul Mission in Roby, St. John's Parish in Leopold, St. Lawrence Parish in New Hamburg, Holy Trinity Parish in Aurora, Sacred Heart Parish in Verona and St. Henry Parish in Charleston. He also served as a U.S. Air Force chaplain more than 10 years.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to service time Friday at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 2818 E. Bennett St. in Springfield.

The Mass of Resurrection will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the church. Interment will be at a later date in the family plot at Westview Cemetery in Lexington, Mass.

Memorial contributions may be made in Nichols' name to St. Henry School, 306 Court St., Charleston, MO 63834.

Lohmeyer Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences can be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.