MCNICHOLS, THOMAS R.

Thomas Robert McNichols 88, peacefully passed away on August 8, 2010. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on July 18, 1922 to Thomas Francis McNichols and Lauretta (Fitterer) McNichols. Tom served in the South Pacific during WWII in the U.S. Marine Corps. Prior to discharge, Tom met his wife of 58 years, Dorothy Baker, while stationed at NSWC Crane in southern Indiana. They were married until her death on January 12, 2004. Tom taught physical science at Westlane Middle School for over 25 years. As an original Westlane Wildcat (when the school opened in 1956), Tom was Westlane’s first football coach. He also was instrumental in the startup of several other school sports. Tom had a long and distinguished career at Washington Township Schools, retiring in l983. Prior to Westlane, Tom was a teacher at IPS and taught swimming in the summers with Indy Parks. He was a long time member of Union Chapel United Methodist Church, Indianapolis. He and his wife Dorothy were also members of the Riveria Swim Club and VFW Post, Broad Ripple. He is survived by three sons, Thomas McNichols, II (Sylvia), Stephen McNichols (Autumn), and James McNichols (Sandy); grandchildren, Tim McNichols, Jeff McNichols, Scott McNichols, Jamie Bensley (Ryan), Kelly Warner (Matt), Kristi Medley (Josh), Michael McNichols, and Leigh McNichols; 7 great-grandchildren; and dear friend and companion, Edith Whiteside. The family will greet friends on Wednesday, August 11, 2010 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel with service to follow at 1:00 p.m. Entombment will be at Washington Park East Cemetery. You may make a donation to either Union Chapel United Methodist Church, 2720 E. 86th St., Indianapolis 46240 or to American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 424 E. 92nd St., New York, NY 10128-6804.