A Legacy

On January 14, 1907, Joe D Nichols was born in a rural area near West, TX.  He grew up in a “farming” family where they operated several gins. When the depression hit, his family was terribly affected. It is understood that he moved to Haskell, TX around 1933, and then in the mid to late 1930’s, joined the Conservation Corps.  

At the age of 35 he chose a different path—the Army.  He registered for the draft on October 16, 1940 and enlisted on February 10, 1942.   From there, we don’t know much about his time serving our country; he just did not talk about it much. 

From what has been pieced together, his service included starting his time serving our country in Alaska as a part of the Army Corp of Engineers and then volunteered for a special assignment in North Carolina.  This task had survival training, from the little he shared with family members, and soon after, we believe he was sent to clear obstacles and set up bridges for the first waves of D-Day.  Left in his belongings were train schedules of England and pictures of him in suits in Paris the summer of 1945 that have helped piece this information together. Unfortunately, records in Kansas City, MO were destroyed and we have no way of knowing exactly what he was assigned or endured in WWII. 

In November of 1945, he was discharged and took advantage of the GI Bill.  He purchased equipment to “grub” mesquite and many worried about him because many times he was known to sleep in the bulldozer or pickup. 

A little bit later he married Annie Lee and they farmed some land south of Ralls, TX and then near Lorenzo where they raised a family.  At the age of 50, his first child was born—Joe D Nichols, Jr. and later two daughters Emma and Susan. Things were rough financially and times were hard as a farmer.   He endured a heart attack when the kids were younger and at the age of 70, he passed away.  

From a worldly standard, he may not have had many assets. What he left behind though is worth so much more— a hope that carried him through the trials and tribulations of life.  A rock solid faith anchored into our Heavenly Father.

And because of that….

Three children were raised in a home where God was first. Three children that married and had families of their own and raised children in a home where God was first.  And now, 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren who share that same love of the Lord.  

A legacy…

Thankful for “Pops”—as he was known to those who served with him—and others who have served our country and protected our freedoms.  

Anchored to Him,

Leigh Ann