Arnold Elwayne Nichols, Jr., age 81 of Urbana died at 3:44 a.m. on June 25, 2025 at home.

Private family graveside services will be held at Immanual Lutheran Church, Broadlands, Illinois at 10:00 a.m. on Monday June 30, 2025 with Pastor Jeff Caithamer officiating.

Arnold was born on March 19, 1944 to Arnold Sr. and Bonnie (Paul) Nichols. Arnold married his one true love, Myla (Messman) Nichols on October 14, 1972 and they have had 53 wonderful years together. Arnold is survived by his wife, a nephew, Ryan (Jennifer) Huls of Homer, three nieces, Kendra (Ray) Manselle of rural Urbana, Lorynne Huls of Fox Lake, IL and Lorae Huls of West Lebanon, Indiana. Arnold was an avid reader and historian. He also really enjoyed old classic cars. His favorite hymn was "The Church's One Foundation".

Mr. Nichols was employed at the United States Postal Service for more than 35 years. He worked as a Distribution Clerk and as an Accounting Clerk at the Urbana Post Office, and served as Personnel Assistant and Injury Compensation Specialist in Champaign. He was Postmaster at Anchor, IL from 1989-91 and was Postmaster at Sidney, IL from December 1991 until his retirement in 1999. He authored a book on the history of Post Office Badges and an article for Philatelic Magazine on the same subject. He was a member of the Society of Automotive Historians and the California Law Enforcement Historical Society. He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Champaign, IL. His favorite hymn was "The Church's One Foundation".

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church, 509 S. Mattis Avenue, Champaign, IL 61821.  Renner-Wikoff Funeral Home in Urbana is in charge of arrangements.