The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association joins family, friends, Oklahoma State University, the ranching community and cattlemen across the state in mourning the loss of Dr. Charles Nichols of Arnett, Oklahoma, who passed from this life on May 3, 2026. He was 89.
Nichols was a respected rancher, educator, cattle industry leader and public servant whose influence reached from local ranch country to state and national agricultural organizations. After earning his bachelor’s degree in Animal Husbandry from Texas A&M University, he completed graduate work at Colorado State University, where he earned a Master of Science Degree in Wool Technology. He later came to Oklahoma State University to complete his doctoral work in Animal Breeding with a minor in Physiology.
Following completion of his Ph.D., Nichols served as the OSU State Extension Animal Breeding Specialist from 1964 to 1973. In that role, he traveled across Oklahoma teaching cattle producers about herd improvement and worked on early computer systems used to process performance records. His OSU involvement continued throughout his life, including service on the Dean’s Advisory Committee for the College of Agriculture and the Industry Advisory Committee for Oklahoma Food & Ag Products Research & Technology.
In 1973, Charles and his wife Sherry moved to Arnett to join the Davison family ranching operation. There, he dedicated himself to improving both cattle and rangeland through Davison & Sons Cattle Company. His work reflected a deep commitment to land stewardship, livestock improvement, employees, neighbors and the rural way of life.
Nichols’ leadership within the cattle industry was vast. He served as an Executive Board member and President of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, and also served on the Oklahoma Beef Commission. His national service included numerous board positions within the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board with USDA. He also served two terms on the Kansas City Federal Reserve Board.
“OCA laments the loss of this great leader,” said Michael Kelsey, OCA Executive Vice President. “Dr. Nichols represented the very best of Oklahoma’s cattle industry. He gave generously of his time, wisdom and leadership to OCA, Oklahoma State University and cattle producers across this state and nation. His legacy will be felt for generations, and we extend our heartfelt sympathy to Sherry, his daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and the entire Nichols family.”
Nichols is survived by his wife Sherry of nearly 57 years; daughters Jennifer and her husband Brent Shaw and Ruth Ann and her husband Weston Givens and their families; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; his five sisters; and many extended family members.
Memorial donations may be made to the OSU Foundation – Dr. Charles W. Nichols; Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association Foundation; or Newman Memorial Hospital in Shattuck, Oklahoma.
Visitation for Dr. Nichols is on Saturday May 9th from 9 AM to 6 PM and Sunday May 10th from 2 pm to 6 pm at the Shaw Funeral Home in Arnet. A Memorial Service is planned Monday, May 11th at First Christian Church of Arnet at 10 AM.
