Frank Nichols

Francis Neale "Frank" Nichols II, age 77, of Hays, passed away Friday, May 31, 2013 at Hays Medical Center. He was born July 2, 1935 in Arkansas City, KS. to Francis Neale Nichols and Wilma (Yingling) Smith. He was a US Army veteran. He married Karen Splitter on January 23, 1960 in Emporia, Ks.

Frank received a B.S. degree from Emporia State University, a M.F.A degree from Wichita State University, and 32 hours toward a doctorate in Art Education at the University of Kansas. He was an instructor of art at Chanute High School and Junior College before joining the Fort Hays State University faculty in 1967 as an instructor in the Division of Applied Arts. Nichols was promoted to assistant professor in 1971, associate professor in 1976 and professor in 1982. He taught printmaking most of his career prior to his retirement in 1999. Nichols exhibited works all across the nation, garnering a number of awards over the course of his artistic career as well as developing a process of hand-coloring prints.

Survivors include his wife, Karen of Hays; a son, Eric Nichols and wife Michelle of Mt. Hope, KS; three grandchildren, Eric, Rachel and Rebekah Nichols and a brother, Glenn Smith and wife Libby of Dundee, Ill.

His parents preceded him in death

Life Celebration services will be held Saturday, June 15, 2013 at the Hays Arts Center Annex ~ 1010 Main St., Hays, Kansas. Tribute Exhibition and Reception at 3:00 PM followed by Remembrances and Remarks at 4:00 PM.

Arrangements in care of Brocks North Hill Chapel ~ 2509 Vine St., Hays, KS. 67601.

Memorials are suggested to the Fort Hays State Art Department Scholarship Fund or the Hays Arts Council. Condolences may be sent to the family by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or emailed to keithley@ruraltel.net











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