Wallace “Wallie” Owen Nichols, 81, Crawfordsville, passed away April 13, 2026, at Wellbrooke of Crawfordsville.
He was born May 29, 194, in Baraboo, Wisconsin, to Donald Ward and Marie Irene (Walker) Nichols.
A 1963 graduate of Crawfordsville High School, he went on to Ivy Tech, receiving a degree in electronics. He then he attended Liberty Evangelical University for biblical studies.
He had been an industrial electrician and a pastor. He pastored Garfield Christian Church, Freedom Baptist Church and New Market Baptist Church. In addition, he was instrumental in starting The Lord’s Closet in June, 2013 at New Market Baptist Church that provides free clothing to the community today. He was a member of New Market Christian Church and was a part of the Burning Hearts Emmaus Community.
After his cancer diagnosis in August of 2021 he made and distributed more than 4,000 crosses in hopes that people would come to know Jesus.
He loved to spend time with his dog, Tiny, fishing, golf cart rides around Lake Holiday, playing cards and traveling with his wife and family.
He married Janet Sue Wilkinson on Aug. 28, 1966, and she survives.
Also surviving are his children, Tammy (Sean) Carey, Scott Nichols and Timothy (Tracie) Nichols; grandchildren, Alyssa Carey, Austin Carey, Brayton (Shelby) Carey, DJ Nichols, Owen Nichols and Parker Nichols; great-grandchildren, Qwinton Carey, Luna Carey and Phoebe Carey; brother-in-law Alden Pedersen; and sister-in-law Nancy Nichols.
He is preceded in death by his parents; sister Judy Pedersen; brother Russell Nichols; mother-in-law Marijane Wilkinson; father-in-law Howard Wilkinson; sister-in-law Phyllis “Nana” Manning; and brother-in-law Richard “Toto” Manning.
Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Saturday April 18 at New Market Christian Church. Burial will follow at Darlington Greenlawn Cemetery. Friends may call 4-7 p.m. Friday at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to New Market Chrisitan Church or Burning Hearts Emmaus Community.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.huntandson.com.
