Frank Nichols

Frank Charles Nichols passed away on May 11, 2026, at the Grand Island Regional Medical Center at the age of 77. He was born on November 24, 1948, in Salem, Oregon to Donald and Suzanne (Vogt) Nichols. He was united in marriage to Nancy Fuller in Salina, Kansas in 1969. To this union two sons were born: Frankie Jr. and Donnie. The couple later divorced.

Frank grew up in St. Paul, Nebraska where he attended high school. Following high school, he went to work as a truck driver for Budweiser, then worked in windshield repair for a stent before his 30-year career as a bridge builder for the Burlington Northern Railroad.

Frank was no stranger to hard work, his hobbies included building and working on performance motors for tractor pullers, circle track dirt racers, and drag racers alike. A talented engine builder with grease on his hands and horsepower in his blood, he found joy in making things run faster, stronger, and louder. That passion didn’t stop with him—his sons proudly carry on the same love for motors, speed, and turning wrenches, a bond built in garages, around race cars, and under hoods late into the night.

He was a smart ass. In the best possible way. Frank was armed with a quick-witted comeback, a perfectly timed one-liner, or some sarcastic remark that could make a whole room laugh. He never missed an opportunity to give someone a hard time, but behind that humor was a man with the biggest heart who never hesitated to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it.

If there was one thing he may have loved as much as horsepower, it was dogs, Seagram’s, and Oreos. He had a soft spot for his four-legged family members and they knew it. Whether in the shop, home, or racetrack there was usually a loyal dog not far from his side.

Though Frank may be gone, his racing family and friends can keep his legacy alive every time they lend a hand under a hood, crack open a cold drink, spoil their dogs a little too much, throw out a sharp one-liner, and living life the way Frank did—wide open, straight and fast.

Frank is preceded in death by his parents and a sister.

He is survived by his sons, Frankie Jr. (Lisa) Nichols of Grand Island, NE, Donnie (Bobbie Hunter) Nichols of Lincoln, NE; one grandchild; and a slew of friends and bonus family.

A Celebration for Frank will be held at a later date.