Hugh L. Nichols

Hugh L. Nichols II, age 95, passed away peacefully after a short illness. He is survived by his daughters Nancy Nichols (Tom Steinberg), Betsy Nichols, Judy Nichols (Nigel Gough) and Amy Nichols Kisner; grandchildren Clover Wier, Noah Lull, Alysoun Gough, Michelle Culbertson, and Nichole Rouse; many great-grandchildren; and dear family friend Linda Kress Shinkle. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Doreen "Penny" Sherman Nichols; and brothers Robert and Allen Nichols. He is the son of the late Judge Harold D. Nichols and Martha T. Nichols. His last years were spent at Pinebrook Retirement Home in Milford where he made many friends among the residents and staff. Moore Family Funeral Homes, 225 Spring St., Batavia will accept visitors Friday January 15th, 1-5 pm, with graveside service Saturday January 16th, 11 am at Batavia Union Cemetery. Memorial donations may be directed to the Marci and Jim Nichols Scholarship Fund in care of the Batavia Alumni Association, P.O. Box 294, Batavia, OH 45103, or alternately to WOBO radio station at www.wobofm.com. Hugh was a lifelong resident of Clermont County, a graduate of Batavia High School, Miami University and University of Cincinnati Law School. He was a respected attorney and judge with a strong belief in fairness and equality under the law. He had the distinction of being the fourth generation of his family to be a judge in Clermont County. Hugh served his country as an officer in the U.S. Navy in both World War II and the Korean War. He spent many years in service to his community. He was a faithful member of the Batavia First Presbyterian Church, serving as choir director, organist, and trustee. He was a member of the Batavia School Board, the Rotary Club, and the Shriners. He served on the Clermont County Election Board and was a delegate to the historic 1968 Democratic Convention. Music was one of his passions. Hugh was a talented musician on the clarinet, also played the saxophone, flute, piccolo, piano and organ, was a member of the Shrine Band and played with a professional dance band. He was an expert in the music of the Big Band Era. He was a well-known volunteer at WOBO, hosting the "Saturday Night Dance Party" with his friend and fellow attorney Mel Reifin, where he showcased his extensive collection of rare recordings of 30's and 40's Big Band hits. He was a master of the crossword puzzle, a formidable poker player and a pretty good golfer. He loved The Muppet Show, Hee-Haw and Laugh-In. And he enjoyed a good lawyer joke, in spite of his profession. He loved a good laugh, even one at himself. Finally, he was a wonderful father, who never missed any of his daughters’ band concerts, school plays, piano recitals and awards ceremonies. He was patient and forgiving, full of good humor, providing a safe and loving home for his girls to grow up. DUE TO COVID-19 THE VISITATION ON FRIDAY IS AN OPEN EVENT WITH THE THE FAMILY NOT PRESENT. MR NICHOLS WAS WELL LOVED AND RESPECTED IN OUR COMMUNITY AND THIS WILL ENABLE FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES TO PAY THEIR RESPECTS IN A SAFE MANNER.