Donald Williams

Donald Eugene Williams, 72, of Savoy (formerly of Tolono and Champaign) has been reunited in Heaven with the love of his life Nancy Williams.  Don passed through the gates of Heaven on July 31, 2018 at 4:29 PM in Barnes Jewish Community Hospital, St. Louis; family by his side. 

Born to Wallace and Doris Williams, on February 20, 1946, in Missouri.  Don and Nancy’s marriage was storybook having met at the tender age of 14 when Nancy purposefully ran her bike into his to break the ice and meet him, sealing their destiny to be together.  Marrying immediately out of high school, they remained together until her passing in 2011.  His love of the Catholic Church and the Lord’s teachings allowed him to cope with the loss of his bride, though he continued to pine for her throughout their brief physical separation. 

Don and Nancy had two children: Mark (Christine) Williams of Tolono and Michael (Jeanene) Williams of Monticello. Don leaves behind three grandchildren: Tanner, Christian and Austin and four step-grandchildren: Tony, Faith, Andrew and Dustin as well as nephews, nieces, cousins and one brother, Carl, of Port Charlotte, Florida, as well as his dear childhood friends and in-laws John and Sally Hard of Inverness, Illinois.

A Harper College graduate, Don spent his entire career in the meat business working for the Jewel Corporation in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, was the owner of Willco, Corporation and eventually working for JB Swift before heart-related issues forced him to retire.  Don was a selfless man with an incredible giving nature.  In addition to being a devoted family man, Don was one of the founding four coaches for the Little Illini Soccer Club (now known as Illini FC) spending much of his time coaching and assisting others in a sport that he loved.  Don also enjoyed radio-controlled modeling—starting the hobby in 1964.  He continued flying throughout his life and was a current member and past-President of the Champaign County Radio Control Club.  His other hobby was bass fishing.  Don was a member of the Champaign County Bassmasters, fished the Paralyzed Veterans of America tournaments and was a volunteer assistant for the Champaign Central High School Bass Club when boat captains were needed.

The visitation will be held on, Tuesday, August 07, from 5:00-7:00PM at Owens Funeral Home (101 N. Elm Street, Champaign). The funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, August 08 at 10:00AM at St. Matthew Catholic Church (1305 Lincolnshire, Champaign) with Father Robert Rayson officiating.  Interment will be in Locust Grove Cemetery, Philo next to his beloved bride. 

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