Bernard "Bernie" E. Nichols

Bernard “Bernie” E. Nichols, 90, of Wichita, KS passed away February 17, 2026, leaving a legacy of faith, perseverance, leadership, and kindness that will endure through his family and community.

Born October 8, 1935, in Everton, AR, Bernie was raised in rural Arkansas as the middle of nine children. His early years were marked by hard work on the land and a curiosity about the wider world. As a boy, he discovered maps of New York City and books about the stock market in a storage barn on property where his family worked for a New York-based physician. Those materials sparked a lifelong fascination with finance and the markets — a passion that would shape his future career.

Even in youth, Bernie displayed determination and ingenuity. Unable to afford a bicycle, he built one himself from discarded parts he gathered. He excelled academically and athletically at Valley Springs High School, where he played basketball, graduated near the top of his class, and was selected as a delegate to American Legion Boys State. His promise was widely recognized; he declined an FBI-sponsored scholarship to George Washington University after learning of the requirement that recruits remain unmarried for nine years — a decision that reflected his strong commitment to family.

Bernie was the first of his family to attend college with a scholarship to Beebe Junior College, then attended Arkansas State University, where he played baseball, served as student body president and earned recognition in four categories of Who’s Who: Most Studious, Friendliest, Best All-Around, and Most Likely to Succeed. Following his older brother Bob stationed at McConnell Air Force Base, Bernie transferred to Wichita State University. There he worked evenings at Continental Trailways to help pay his way through school — demonstrating the self-reliance that marked his life. He graduated in 1961 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and Economics.

While working at Continental Trailways after college, Bernie met the woman who would become his beloved wife of 62 years. They married in 1963, beginning a lifelong partnership built on faith, love, and shared purpose. In 1966, he furthered his professional education by graduating from the New York Institute of Finance, equipping himself for a distinguished career in financial services.

Following his proud service in the Air National Guard, Bernie built a highly respected career as a financial advisor and portfolio manager spanning nearly six decades. He became a stockbroker with Harris Upham, while teaching evening investment classes at Kansas Newman, and then Paine Webber. He was recruited to Fourth National Bank of Wichita, soon leading Trust Investments & Pensions where he was proud to have managed a fund that ranked #1 for similar funds in the U.S. during his three years in charge. He returned to Paine Webber in 1977 which later was acquired by UBS. Known for his integrity, wisdom, and genuine care for others, he ultimately retired as a Senior Vice President at UBS, guiding generations of families in planning for their futures.

Bernie believed deeply in giving back to the community that had given him opportunity. His civic leadership included serving as president of the Wichita Jaycees, and involvement with the Wichita Area Chamber of Commerce Board, Wichita Crime Commission, Junior Achievement, Wichita Air Capitol Track and Field, among other organizations dedicated to strengthening the city, along with little league baseball coaching. He also served as president of the Wichita State University Alumni Association in 1972–73, and was involved with the Board of Governors at WSU Foundation, and Board of intercollegiate Athletics at WSU, maintaining a lifelong commitment to the university that had shaped his path.

He and his wife were devoted supporters of Wichita State University, contributing to Shocker Athletics, Barton School of Business, where they established an endowed scholarship fund to support future students, and Music Associates. A passionate fan of Wichita State Shockers men’s basketball, Bernie held season tickets beginning in 1970 and rarely missed a game. In recognition of his professional accomplishments and service, he received the Wichita State University Alumni Achievement Award in 2011.

Faith was central to Bernie’s life. He and his wife have been long-time devoted members of Plymouth Congregational Church and served on several boards and committees, where they formed lasting friendships and served faithfully for decades.

Bernie lived by simple principles that reflected his character: “Where there is a will, there is a way,” and when faced with difficult people, to “kill them with kindness.” He found joy in good deeds and in helping others succeed, often quietly and without recognition.

A natural problem-solver and creative thinker, Bernie had a lifelong gift for improvisation. From building his childhood bicycle from scraps to engineering a system of long plastic pipes attached to a leaf blower to clear gutters safely from the ground, he approached challenges with ingenuity and determination.

He remained intellectually engaged throughout his life, staying current on world events, politics, and the economy, always eager to learn and discuss the forces shaping society.

In the 1990s, Bernie survived prostate cancer with courage and gratitude. In later years he battled Parkinson’s disease, facing its challenges with dignity and grace as it gradually took his mobility and mental acuity but never his gentle spirit.

Above all, Bernie was devoted to his family — a loving husband, guiding father, proud grandfather, brother, and mentor. His journey from working the fields of rural Arkansas to becoming a respected business and civic leader stands as a testament to perseverance, faith, education and character.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Troy “Olen” and Edna (Morrison) Nichols; siblings, Nick Nichols, Doris Barkhurst, Lois Elam, Bob Nichols, Zella King and Mava Phillips.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Alberta (Schwien) Nichols; sons, Kevin (Kelsey) Nichols of Wichita and Jason Nichols of Dallas, TX; sisters, Helen Humphrey of Overland Park, KS and Charlotte (Bill) King of Benton, KS; grandchildren, Dylan, Kinsey and Natalie of Wichita, and Jack, Stella, and Porter of Dallas; and many extended family members, friends, colleagues and community members whose lives he touched.

From humble beginnings in rural Arkansas to a life of leadership, service, and quiet generosity, Bernie’s story is one of determination, faith and love. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the people he guided and the community he helped build.

Visitation will be from 6:00–8:00 p.m., Friday, February 27, 2026, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Plymouth Congregational Church. The service will be livestreamed.

Memorial contributions may be made to: WSU Endowment, Bernie & Alberta Nichols Scholarship Fund, Barton School of Business, 1845 Fairmount St, Wichita, KS 67260; or Plymouth Congregational Church, 202 N. Clifton Ave., Wichita, KS 67208.