Hunter Nichols, 18, of Centralia, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
Hunter was born on July 9, 2008, in Clayton, Missouri, the son of Jesse Nichols and Amy (Backs) Nichols.
Hunter was a Senior at Centralia High School. Throughout high school, he stayed active and involved, playing football during his Freshman and Sophomore years and being a member of the wrestling team from his Freshman through Junior years. Hunter enjoyed his welding and trade classes and especially liked working with his hands. He was a hard worker who wasn’t afraid to get dirty or put in a long day. He took pride in his job at Raccoon Water Company.
When Hunter wasn’t at school or working, he loved being outdoors. Hunting and fishing were some of his favorite ways to spend his time, and he was happiest when he could be outside. He was quite handy in the kitchen and loved cooking a good meal.
More than anything, Hunter loved being around his family and friends. He enjoyed joking around, making memories, and simply spending time with the people he cared about. Hunter had so much life ahead of him, and although his time here was far too short, the memories he made and the impact he had on those around him will never be forgotten
In addition to his parents, Amy and Jesse Nichols of Centralia, Hunter is survived by his brother: Brody Nichols and twin brother: Reed Nichols, both of Centralia; sister: Mackenzie Nichols of Wentzville, Missouri; grandmother: Tere Backs of Centralia; aunts and uncles: Sherry and Mike Owens of Florida, Penny and Mark Brooks of Centralia, Laura and Johnny Pokojski of Centralia, John Brown, and Kevin Backs and Jess Stover of Salem; along with numerous cousins and friends.
Hunter was preceded in death by his grandparents: Dianne Nichols Hendricks, Lonnie Backs, and Larry Nichols; and great-grandparents, “Granny” Mary Ann and “PaPa” Lewell Wilkinson and LaVerne Backs.
A Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 9, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Family to honor Hunter with Memorial Bird Bands and/or the Jared Burke Foundation will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home, located at 235 North Sycamore Street, Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to Hunter’s Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Funeral Home Facebook page.
