Larry E. Nichols, or "Nick," of Crawfordsville, passed away Friday night at St. Elizabeth East in Lafayette.  He was 81.

Mr. Nichols was an outstanding athlete in his high school days.  At New Ross High School he was a member of the undefeated 1956 basketball team that went to semi-state.  He also was a great catcher for the baseball team and threw shot put for the track and field team.  He graduated from New Ross, class of 1956 and went to work at R. R. Donnelley as an apprentice.  He worked as a pressman and later worked his way up to supervisor in the press room, retiring after 40 years.  After retiring, he worked at Town and Country and mowed at Turkey Run Golf Course.  He was a skilled woodworker who made many garden and household ornaments.  He liked having a garden in his yard.

Nick was president of the Donnelley Club in the late 60s and the golf and social club at Turkey Run, where he enjoyed playing golf.  He served as a little league baseball coach, and served eight years in the National Guard.  He was also an avid blood donor, giving for many years.

Born March 22, 1938 in Beckville, north of New Ross, he was the son of Charles Everett Nichols and Waneta Pearl Peterson Nichols.  He married Judy Ogden on June 7, 1959 in Indianapolis.  She survives.

Surviving family includes: wife, Judy Nichols of Crawfordsville; daughter, Shari Cudd, DVM (Mike) of South Carolina; son, Scott Nichols (Cindy) of Rossville; two brothers, Rusty Nichols, Butch Nichols; two sisters, Mary Reed, Karen Harshbarger; six grandchildren, David Thompson, Laura Wilson, Melissa Fullerton, Charlie Nichols, Keagan Cudd, and Michaela Cudd; nine great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be at 6 PM Saturday, March 14 ^th at Burkhart Funeral Home, led by Pastor Ken Rushing.  Family and friends may gather and visit from 4 to 6 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in memory of Larry Nichols be directed to the St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 or Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517.  Online condolences may be made at www.BurkhartFH.com.