Brett David Nichols
Our wonderful Husband, Daddy, Son, Brother, and Friend, Brett David Nichols was born on February 18, 1984, to Mark and Kris Nichols in Dodge City. We knew he was a special gift to us from the moment he was born. He peacefully left us when God called him home on September 23, 2016, at the age of 32.
Brett was born with heart complications and endured much, but we never expected him to leave this soon. Through all his physical struggles, he stayed positive and was always more concerned about others than himself. Brett’s first open heart surgery was when he was four years old. He endured three more open heart surgeries through his life but never let them hold him back. He was full of life, and we as a family had many good times together. He completed eight grades at Montezuma Mennonite School and later achieved his high school diploma through an online course. He answered the call of the Lord and was baptized on February 1, 1998, by his grandpa, Minister Edwin Classen. He remained faithful until he took his last breath. Even though his physical heart was weak, his spiritual heartbeat never wavered. He enjoyed youth life and was called a pillar in the youth by some of his friends.
He was married to me, Trisha Yost, on September 18, 2005. He made me feel like a queen, and I never questioned his love. We were blessed with four amazing children. Brett loved each one the same. He was their hero, and they were his whole world. Every nice evening would find us taking bike rides, playing bean bag toss, or something outside as a family. He loved going camping at Meade Lake, and summer trips to Colorado were the highlight of every year. He loved singing and had many favorite songs. He was a rock in our family and many times would encourage us and help us along the way. We could always count on his calm wisdom to work through situations.
Brett found his place of service at Bethel Home, and it became his passion. He started working there in 2001 and learned everything there was to know about it. He had a heart for the residents and strove to make Bethel Home a true home for them. As administrator, the board and employees were very special to him and became an important part of his Bethel Home family.
As we endeavor to accept God’s plan, we will need to rely on His strength and grace. We want to follow Brett’s example of caring, and like he would say, “Just Keep Going.”
Left with broken hearts are his wife Trish of Montezuma; four children, Kylie Ryn, Blake Chastin, Dillon Chase, and Shelby Lyn all of the home; his parents, Mark and Kris Nichols; one brother, Bryson Nichols and wife Jodi of Montezuma; two sisters, Amber Harms and husband Daylon and Ashley Schmidt and husband Malin both of DeRidder, Louisiana; grandparents, Edwin and Betty Classen and Barbara Nichols all of Montezuma; parents-in-law, Dave and Carolyn Yost of Moundridge; three sisters-in-law, Loretta Jarvis of Salina, Sherri Martin and husband Sylvan of Tonasket, Washington, and Becky Martin and husband Dani of Newton; 17 nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends.
Funeral service will be held at Montezuma Mennonite Church on Tuesday September 27, 2016 at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow at Montezuma Mennonite Cemetery. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Montezuma on Monday September 26, 2016 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM and at Bethel Home in Montezuma from 4:00-5:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to Bethel Home in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.
