J. Wayne “Longwalker” Nichols, age 79, of Summitville, passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis after a brief illness. Born on October 30, 1946, in Madison, Indiana, to Leonard and Julia (Gulley) Nichols. He was a graduate of North Dearborn High School in Sunman, Indiana. Wayne married Ann Marie Bathauer on April 19, 1974, and together, they shared more than 44 years of partnership until her passing in 2018. Wayne retired as a computer technician from Ed Martin Cadillac in Anderson after 30 years, but retirement didn’t slow him down. For over two decades, he enjoyed working on cars and anything with an engine from his home, always eager to take on a new challenge. Wayne and Ann were longtime members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Elwood, finding community and faith together.

A man of many talents, Wayne thrived in a variety of pursuits. Whether tending his garden, repairing engines, practicing marksmanship, or demonstrating his skills with bows and arrows, he was known as the man who could fix anything. He cherished time spent outdoors and embraced adventure, traveling widely with his family to camp in the old-fashioned way. Wayne was passionate about historical reenactments, being known as “Longwalker” to everyone, always bringing his own covered wagon to events and relishing the annual national camping gathering in Friendship, Indiana. Wayne was also a skilled knife maker, generously sharing his craft with friends and ensuring the tradition would continue. He will be remembered as a man who lived life on his own terms, finding joy in simple pleasures, hard work, and the freedom to pursue what he loved most.

Wayne is survived by his daughter, Robin (Josh) Morris of Lafayette; son, Dan (Lacie) Nichols of Fairmount; 3 sisters, Mary (Jim) Johnson of Texas, Barbara (Larry) Clark of Sunman, and Pamela Sue Nichols of Indiana; 6 grandchildren, Kaleb Morris, Kyle (Shaniece Rodenbarger) Morris, Adriana Morris, Kohl Morris, Johnna Nichols, and Johnnathin Nichols; great-granddaughter, Amara Morris; and several nieces and nephews. Wayne is preceded by his parents; wife, Ann Nichols; and 3 brothers, Leonard Nichols, Richard Nichols, and Charlie Nichols.

A graveside funeral service honoring Wayne’s life will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, July 24, 2026 at Forrestville Cemetery in rural Summitville. Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood is honored to handle Wayne’s arrangements. Online condolences and memories may be shared with Wayne’s family at copherfeslermay.com.