Elmer Eugene "Gene" Nichols, son of the late Louis and Daisy (Parks) Nichols, was born on April 9, 1934, in Shannon County, Missouri. He passed away on February 7, 2026, at the age of 91.

Gene attended Reed Grammar School and graduated from Eminence High School in 1952. He moved to St. Louis to work as a boiler maker and retired back to Eminence in 1975. He always enjoyed the outdoors and attending Bethany Chapel, which always held a special place in his heart.

On December 26, 1953, Gene married his love, Viola Marie Welch. To this union, two children were born, Pam and Gary.

Gene is survived by his wife of 72 years, Viola; his children, Pam (Jerry) Rogers, and Gary (Annette) Nichols; grandsons, Christopher (Elizama) Rogers, Matt Rogers, Austin (Shara) Nichols, Eric (Brittany) Nichols, and Nathan (Darian Hyde) Nichols; great-grandchildren, Isabel, Abigail, Kane, Lanie, Josalie, Rowan, Cordell, Emery, Paisley, Parker, Tucker, and Sutton; his sister, Judy (Gene) Deffendall; his brother-in-law, Anvil (Bobette) Welch; and a host of nieces and nephews.

His greatest joy in life was his family and friends, and he will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Bethany Chapel, Eminence, Missouri, with Pastor Randy Ferguson officiating, under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Eminence. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10-11:00 a.m., also at the church. Interment will be in Bethany Chapel Cemetery, Eminence. Memorial donations may be made to Bethany Chapel Cemetery and left at Yarber Mortuary. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.