Coleman Allen Nichols, 86, passed away March 13, 2014 at Baptist Memorial's Rotary House of Hope in San Angelo, Texas. His devoted Christian faith and his dedication to coaching and education defined his life. Coleman had his greatest joy in helping mold the lives of many young men in his years as a football coach, first in Paducah, Texas and then at Washington Jr. High in San Angelo. He held all those he coached dear in his heart all his life. Coleman was born on a farm outside Baird, Texas November 11, 1927 to Cecil Augustus Nichols and Goldie Sarah Kennedy Nichols. He graduated from Baird High School, served in the U.S. Army in Korea, and returned to earn his college degree from Abilene Christian College and his Masters degree from West Texas State. He moved to San Angelo in 1959 and spent his career as a coach and, later, as the principal for 18 years of Austin Elementary School, where he touched the lives of so many of San Angelo's children. He was an active member of the Colorado and Jackson St. Church of Christ and the Johnson St. Church of Christ. Coleman was preceded in death by his two brothers, Eric and Billy, his parents, Cecil and Goldie, and his sisters Margie Stockton and Inez Cluck. He leaves his wife, Ann Nichols, his daughter and son in law, Vonda Nichols D'Errico and Ronald D'Errico, his stepdaughter, Tammy York(Cody), his stepson, Gary Flanary(Trisha), his stepgrandson, Braden York, his sister, June Selden, and numerous nieces and nephews. We remember Coleman, young at heart with his radiant smile, always ready for a game of dominos. We remember his love for children and animals, especially his beloved dogs, Bear and Pickles. We remember and are grateful for all he brought to our lives. Viewing will be from 8:00am to 8:00pm on Saturday March 15, 2014 at Robert Massie Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 2:00pm Sunday March 16, 2014 at Robert Massie Funeral Chapel with Mr. Portis Ribble, officiating. Burial will be in the Baird cemetery on Monday. Memorial donations may be given to the Baptist Memorial Rotary House of Hope or the Southwest Bible Institute. Coleman's obituary and memorial guestbook may be viewed online at www.robertmassie.com
Funeral Service
Saturday, February 15, 2014 2:00 PM
Robert Massie Riverside Chapel
402 Rio Concho Dr. San Angelo 76903, United States