Richard Williams

Richard H. Williams, 81, of Decatur, IL, died 1:10 A.M., Tuesday, August 21, 2012, at Fair Havens Christian Home, Decatur, IL. Graveside services will be 10:00 A.M., Saturday, August 25, 2012, at North Fork Cemetery, Decatur, IL, with military rites conducted by the Macon County Honor Guard. Visitation will be 5 to 7 P.M., Friday, August 24, at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur, IL, with masonic services at 7:00 P.M., conducted by Stephen Decatur Masonic Lodge #979 AF & AM. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church or American Parkinson Disease Research. Dick was born June 14, 1931, in Monett, MO, the son of Frank E. and Thalma M. (Black) Williams. Dick was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving on the USS Helena, from 1950-1953. He was a graduate of SMSU in Springfield, MO. Dick married Shirley J. Waeger of Sarcoxie, MO on August 28, 1954. They had three children, Kristina A. of Bloomington, IL, Richard M. (Becky) of Decatur, IL and Mac D. (deceased). An employee of Western Electric, Dick worked on defense systems with the SAGE group. His projects took Dick and his family to several different parts of the country with Western Electric. The Williams family lived in New Jersey, Michigan, Washington and Alabama. Dick also worked for Southwestern Bell in St. Louis, and retired from A.E. Staley Manufacturing Co. in Decatur in 1990. Dick was Most Worshipful Master of Masonic Great Light Lodge of Decatur from 1981-1982. He was also a member of Ansar Shrine's Oriental Band and a founding member of the Cushman Eagles. Dick volunteered many hours for the Golden K and served as editor of the Knugget. In addition, Dick and Shirley delivered Meals on Wheels for 10 years. He also volunteered his time to First United Methodist Church of Decatur, where he was a member. Dick is survived by his wife Shirley, and two children, Kris and Rick. He also leaves two granddaughters Hannah (Paul) Medley and Holly (Chris) Guy and two great grandsons, Joss and Dexter Medley. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Bob, and one son Mac. The family would like to thank the entire staff of Fair Havens Christian Home for their compassionate care they showed to Dick, especially during his final weeks. "
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