Val Gene Williams, age 88, of Springfield, Mo, passed away Tuesday, May 3, 2011. He was born July 20, 1922, in Fair Grove, Mo., to Stephen and Ollie (Goodwin) Williams.
He was a member of and former president of the Springfield C.B. Club his handle was the Irishman. He served in the U.S. United States Army during World War II. Gene graduated from Fair Grove High School, he later graduted from Springfield Teacher’s College with an Associates Degree. Gene enjoyed woodworking, clock making, watching Friday night fights, photography, painting, gospel and bluegrass music, auto racing, and steam engines. He loved to watch the birds, but his greatest love was spending time with his famly.
He was preceded in death by wife, Marilyn (Ross) Williams; parents, Stephen and Ollie Williams; two brothers, Fred and James Williams; one sister, Freda Sloan; and a step-daughter, Arlee Smouse.
He is survived by his wife, Dora Williams of the home; children, Steve Williams and wife, Debbie, Springfield, Tina Casto and husband, Bob of Greenfield, step-children, Brian Draper and wife, Maxine of Hurley, DD Roberts of Springfield, Mitch and Steve Draper of Everett, Wash., and Sharon Johnston and husband, Jerry of Cheyenne, Wyo.; numerous grandchildren; great grandchildren; great-great grandchildren; nieces; and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, May 6, 2011, in Greenlawn Funeral Home North. Burial will be held in Rivermonte Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, May 5, 2011 in Greenlawn Funeral Home North.