(John) David Nicolls of Conneautville passed away at his residence on September 17, 2025. He was the beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend to many. David was the son of Earl and Dorothy (Parker) Nicolls. He was born on November 3, 1942. On June 3, 1967, he married (Barbara) Jean Carr Nicolls. David was a family man who loved his Belgian horses and Brown Swiss dairy animals. He was also an avid hunter. His favorite people, Caden and Parker Nicolls, called him Grandpa, and he cherished them. David was a skilled carpenter and built several hunting shanties with his son, Todd. He fought pancreatic cancer for 2½ years with the same fierce determination he displayed throughout his life. In 1960, while a junior at Conneaut Valley High School, David attended the Reppert School of Auctioneering. He was the point guard on a very successful basketball team and a proud member of the Class of 1961. David and his father, Earl, became widely known as The Derby Hat Auctioneers. David went on to work as an auctioneer for 53 years. Together, they sold auctions in five states and were awarded the Ag Industry Award in Crawford County in 1996. David also owned and managed a Brown Swiss dairy herd for many years before retiring in 1997. Par Nic Farm and Guntown Farm were well known on the fair circuits. David and his father, Earl, worked side by side on the family farm. David was always proud to say that his father was his only boss. Chad and family now reside on the fourth-generation family farm. David's love of animals lasted his entire life. He began with Welsh ponies and later became the proud owner of several registered Belgian draft horses. After retirement, he enjoyed logging with his draft horses. He was a member of the Pennsylvania State Grange for more than 50 years, a member of the Valley Church, a lifetime member of the National Auctioneers Association, and a Cub Scout leader. He also enjoyed gardening and processing the food he grew. He credited his mother, Dorothy, for his patience and love of canning. David spent countless hours with both old and new friends who gathered daily at Ruth's Restaurant. He especially treasured sharing coffee and stories with his high school classmate, Robert Lenhardt, and many other friends. David led a life filled with love, hard work, and a passion for the outdoors. May his memory be a blessing to all who mourn his passing and to all who knew him. David will be deeply missed by his wife, (Barbara) Jean Nicolls; his sons, Chad Nicolls (Dr. Heidi) and Todd Nicolls; and his grandsons, Caden and Parker Nicolls. Also surviving are his brother, Clare Nicolls, and sister, Karen Nicolls; his aunt, Esther Nicolls, as well as his nieces, Dr. Laura Zirkle and Andrea Barnett; nephews, Dr. Doug and Steve Carr; and several cousins. David was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Dorothy (Parker) Nicolls. Family and friends will be received at McCauley Funeral Home, Main Street, Conneautville, PA, on Friday, September 19, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 PM and again on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Conneautville Fellows Club Fire Department; the Valley Church in Conneautville, PA; or to the charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of MCCAULEY FUNERAL HOME, 1405 Main St., Conneautville, PA 16406. Online condolences can be left for the family at www.mccauleyfuneralhome.net.