Wallie Owen Nichols

Wallace “Wallie” Owen Nichols, 81, Crawfordsville, passed away April 13, 2026 at Wellbrooke of Crawfordsville.

He was born on May 29, 1944 in Baraboo, WI 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 attended Liberty Evangelical University for biblical studies.

He had been an industrial electrician and a pastor. He pastored Garfield Chrisitan 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 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 August 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, Parker Nichols; great grandchildren; Qwinton Carey, Luna Carey, 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 10:00 AM Saturday April 18 at New Market Christian Church. Burial will follow at Darlington Greenlawn Cemetery. Friends may call 4-7 PM 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