Franklin D. Williams

Franklin D. Williams returned to his heavenly home on Tuesday, December 15, 2020. Frank was born on a farm east of Fletcher, Okla., on November 10, 1932 to John Nicholas and Nellie Bly Williams. He was the youngest of nine children.

He is survived by his daughter, Peggy R. Williams (Jay Miller); his son, Joseph Williams (Debra Williams); grandchildren, Jessica, Angela, and Barbara Williams; his loving companion, Geneva Harris, and her family; and his much-loved nieces and nephews.

Frank was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Peggy Marie (Taylor) Williams, his parents, and his eight siblings.

Frank met the love of his life, Peggy, driving down the 101 in Southern California. He followed her to Lawson, Mo., where they were married on May 17, 1956. They were married for fifty-eight years and together raised their children with unconditional love and dedication.

Frank spent his youth in Cyril, Okla., where he graduated from Cyril High School. He started work at an early age, often for room and board. He helped support himself and his family by working the harvests and washing dishes at the local café. He and his father were very close. He developed his lifelong passion for fishing alongside his father during his youth.

Frank served in the U.S. Navy in Korea and Indochina. In Indochina he was involved with Operation Passage to Freedom, working alongside Dr. Tom Dooley evacuating refugees. After his military service he attended Technical School in Kansas City where he trained to be a licensed Electrician and Refrigeration Specialist using the GI Bill. Later in life he used the GI Bill to obtain his private and commercial pilot’s licenses.

He spent his early career working as an Electrician and Refrigeration Technician in Lawson, Mo., where he wired most of the homes for the Nike Base. In 1962 he went to Saudi Arabia to work as an Electrician Refrigeration Specialist. He quickly rose to a managerial position in Facilities Maintenance for Saudi Arabian Airlines. In 1976 he took a significant reduction in income to follow his life passion for aviation. He had many great adventures flying for Saudi Arabian Airlines Special Flight Services. He retired after a long and distinguished career. In his retirement, Frank and Peggy traveled the U.S. in their motor home along with their beloved York-child, Tiger. They enjoyed many happy days visiting with their grandchildren, who were the light of their lives. They made many lifelong friends while on the road. Frank enjoyed fishing, hunting and tinkering on his many projects. His greatest joy was in service to others. He volunteered with his church and gave much of his time helping friends and those in need. He also loved to talk. He is famous for his stories, being late, and never meeting a stranger. His friends and family will miss his smiling face and the twinkle in his eyes.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Lawson, Mo. To honor Frank, the great storyteller, the family asks that you write a favorite story of your own about Frank to share at this gathering. Burial will be at Muddy Fork next to his beloved wife, Peggy.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to: The Lawson Food Pantry, 108 W. 3rd Street, Lawson, MO 64062 or to the American Red Cross at redcross.org.

Arrangements in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Lawson Chapel.