Donald Williams
Donald D. Williams, 83, of Florence died Dec. 17, 2004.
Born Aug. 27, 1921, on a farm five miles west of Florence, he was the first child of Henry and Allie Williams.
He attended Florence schools and graduated from Florence High School in 1940. While in high school he participated in every sports program offered. He held the Cottonwood Valley League conference record in the javelin for several years. He also played two years of Ban Johnson baseball in Emporia.
After high school, Don worked in the oil fields, mowed for the state highway department, and drove trucks from Kansas City to Chicago for Zuricks Trucking Company.
On his 21st birthday, he joined the U.S. Army. His service included a brief tour in Germany at the end of World War II.
After the war, he returned to Florence in 1945. He earned money and bought a truck to start his own trucking business, hauling livestock, grain, and building materials.
On Aug. 28, 1947, Don married the "girl next door," Betty Robinson. The couple loved to travel and promised to spend at least one day each year seeing new sights. Their travels included trips to the Sequoias and Rose Parade in California, Alaska, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Florida, the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and Washington, D.C.
From the purchase of that first truck, Don's business grew to semi-trailers used to transport fertilizer and grain and farming and eventually included Williams Seed and Fertilizer and the Florence Elevator.
In 1975, son Roger joined his dad in the growing business, which included more acres for farming, increased trucking capabilities, and a greater interest in livestock.
Don maintained an avid interest in sports, following the Chiefs and Royals baseball. He coached American Legion baseball in Florence for several years. When Roger was big enough to play, Don coached his Little League baseball team.
When his first grandchild was born in 1978, Don began a second round of sports activities. He followed his grandchildren while they competed in soccer tournaments in Kansas City, softball games in Wichita, golf tournaments, hundreds of basketball and volleyball games, and swim meets.
He is survived by his wife, Betty; three children and their spouses, Rita and Maurice Linnens, Roger and Laura Williams, and Rhonda and Brad Heerey; and nine grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at Florence Christian Church with the Revs. Peter Banning and Harold Brown officiating.
Music included a woodwind solo by granddaughter Stacia Williams.
Special music by The Bennett Brothers included "Amazing Grace," and "Mister Engineer."
"Take Me Out to the Ballgame," was the congregational song.
Daughter-in-law Laura Williams was organist.
Casket bearers were Leroy Parks, Bernie Waner, Fred Berns, Bill Robinson, Ed Robinson, and Bob Waner.
Burial was in Hillcrest Cemetery, Florence, with military rites provided by John McKay American Legion Post #308.
A memorial fund has been established with the American Legion post.
