Alan ‘Nik’ Nichols, a Navy veteran and CrossFit coach, was a resident of Quinlan, TX, and passed on July 8, 2025 at the age of 58. Alan Nichols is survived by his wife of 26 years, Cathy Nichols; sons Martin Nichols and Barry Smith; brothers Joe and James Nichols; daughter-in-law Shaina Nawrocki Smith; grandchildren Isla Rose Smith, Lex Nawrocki Smith, Floyd and Matthew Nawrocki; sisters-in-law Beth and April Nichols, Ashley McDonald; and multiple nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his mother, Andrea Irwin; his father, Joe Tinajero; his stepfather, Harry Irwin; and his sister, Mary Nichols.
Alan was born on February 7, 1967, in San Antonio, Texas. Alan was a United States Navy Veteran who served on the USS America as head of the fire department. He later became a CrossFit coach, earning his Level 1 and Level 2 instructor certificates, as well as an Olympic lifting certificate. He was passionate about health and helping people reach their health goals. He was an avid fisherman and camper who loved the outdoors and loved to spend time working with his hands, making bowls and shelves, and often spent time in his forge making knives. Alan was a devout Catholic who tried to live his faith every day. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Commerce, Texas on July 31st at 5:00 p.m., with a rosary being offered at 4:30 p.m. Alan will be buried at the DFW National Cemetery at 10.15 am on August 1st. Flowers may be offered at St Joseph’s Catholic Church on the day of the funeral mass. Condolences and donations can be offered at Quinlan Funeral Home.
