Donald Eugene Williams
November 10, 1935 — September 24, 2017
Donald Williams
November 10, 1935 – September 24, 2017
Donald Eugene Williams was born in Pleasantville, Iowa on November 10, 1935 to Ray and Katherine (Hardin) Williams. He was raised on the Williams family farm in the Pleasantville area and graduated from Pleasantville Community School in 1953. Don began his own family on June 17, 1956 when he was united in marriage to Clarice Jean Robuck.
He spent his working years following his passion for farming. As a self-employed farmer, Don worked full-time in crop production, growing corn, soybeans, oats and hay, and raising livestock, including hogs, cattle and horses. At the same time, he worked various jobs in the insurance industry. He toiled his way through the ranks from underwriter to vice president of operations, all with the goal of providing for his family.
Don was, first and foremost, a family man. He cherished his wife, children and grandchildren and loved family gatherings, where he utilized his culinary expertise to provide family-favorite recipes of chicken and noodles, hot rolls and homemade ice cream.
He took an active role at Fairview Christian Church where he was a member for more than 60 years. There, he served as a deacon, officer, elder and member of the Parish Council. His desire to give back led him to serve four terms on the Pleasantville School Board, including several years as president.
Don enjoyed many hobbies, which included telling jokes, tinkering with farm machinery and equipment, and restoring tractors and driving them in parades. One of his favorite tractor restorations was his Grandfather Charles Hardin’s Oliver 70. He was an avid Iowa State fan and enjoyed vacationing with Jean around the country.
Don will be remembered for his quick wit, thrifty farm equipment purchases, and ability to fix just about anything. Most importantly, his hard work, faith and love for his family will stand the test of time.
Don passed away September 24, 2017 at Taylor House Hospice at the age of 81. He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Morgan Williams; and brothers-in-law, Rodney Robuck and Eddie Gilmore.
Those here to honor his memory include: his loving wife of 61 years, Jean; three children: Mark (Cheryl) Williams of Adair, Barb (Joel) Mortenson of Carroll, and Craig (Lea) Williams of Pleasantville; six grandchildren: Jordan (Brian) Rose, Shelby (Jason) Van Horn, Jared (Beth) Mortenson, Jolyn Mortenson, Lindsay (David) Racki and Chase (Kelsey) Williams; two great-grandchildren: Tenley Racki and Terin Williams; brother, Wendell (Irma) Williams of Knoxville; and sisters-in-law, Mary Beth Gilmore and Darla Robuck of Pleasantville.
Funeral services for Don Williams, age 81 of Pleasantville, will be held on Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Fairview Christian Church. Burial will follow in the Pleasantville Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Mason Funeral Home. Memorials in Don’s name may be directed to Fairview Christian Church at 400 McKimber Street, Pleasantville, Iowa 50225.
November 10, 1935 – September 24, 2017
Donald Eugene Williams was born in Pleasantville, Iowa on November 10, 1935 to Ray and Katherine (Hardin) Williams. He was raised on the Williams family farm in the Pleasantville area and graduated from Pleasantville Community School in 1953. Don began his own family on June 17, 1956 when he was united in marriage to Clarice Jean Robuck.
He spent his working years following his passion for farming. As a self-employed farmer, Don worked full-time in crop production, growing corn, soybeans, oats and hay, and raising livestock, including hogs, cattle and horses. At the same time, he worked various jobs in the insurance industry. He toiled his way through the ranks from underwriter to vice president of operations, all with the goal of providing for his family.
Don was, first and foremost, a family man. He cherished his wife, children and grandchildren and loved family gatherings, where he utilized his culinary expertise to provide family-favorite recipes of chicken and noodles, hot rolls and homemade ice cream.
He took an active role at Fairview Christian Church where he was a member for more than 60 years. There, he served as a deacon, officer, elder and member of the Parish Council. His desire to give back led him to serve four terms on the Pleasantville School Board, including several years as president.
Don enjoyed many hobbies, which included telling jokes, tinkering with farm machinery and equipment, and restoring tractors and driving them in parades. One of his favorite tractor restorations was his Grandfather Charles Hardin’s Oliver 70. He was an avid Iowa State fan and enjoyed vacationing with Jean around the country.
Don will be remembered for his quick wit, thrifty farm equipment purchases, and ability to fix just about anything. Most importantly, his hard work, faith and love for his family will stand the test of time.
Don passed away September 24, 2017 at Taylor House Hospice at the age of 81. He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Morgan Williams; and brothers-in-law, Rodney Robuck and Eddie Gilmore.
Those here to honor his memory include: his loving wife of 61 years, Jean; three children: Mark (Cheryl) Williams of Adair, Barb (Joel) Mortenson of Carroll, and Craig (Lea) Williams of Pleasantville; six grandchildren: Jordan (Brian) Rose, Shelby (Jason) Van Horn, Jared (Beth) Mortenson, Jolyn Mortenson, Lindsay (David) Racki and Chase (Kelsey) Williams; two great-grandchildren: Tenley Racki and Terin Williams; brother, Wendell (Irma) Williams of Knoxville; and sisters-in-law, Mary Beth Gilmore and Darla Robuck of Pleasantville.
Funeral services for Don Williams, age 81 of Pleasantville, will be held on Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Fairview Christian Church. Burial will follow in the Pleasantville Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Mason Funeral Home. Memorials in Don’s name may be directed to Fairview Christian Church at 400 McKimber Street, Pleasantville, Iowa 50225.
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