Jesse Williams

Jesse, 91 passed away at his home in Shenandoah, surrounded by his loving family. Memorials may be directed to the Jesse Williams Memorial Fund. Jesse Gerald Williams, age 91, passed away February 27, 2012 at his home in Shenandoah, Iowa. Jesse was born on October 9, 1920 to John Andrew, Sr. and Effie G. (Hagey) Williams, in Burlington Junction, Missouri. Jesse's family lived in Burlington Junction until moving to Shenandoah in 1923. He graduated from Shenandoah High School with the Class of 1939. During World War II, Jesse enlisted in the United States Navy, where he became a Motor Machinist's Mate First Class. He served from 1942 until 1945 in the following places: San Diego, Kaneohe Bay, Palmyra Island, and Pearl Harbor. Jesse was a member of the Shenandoah American Legion and Disabled American Veterans. On July 17, 1960, Jesse married Anna Lucille Dooley in Hamburg, Iowa, where they lived for two years, before moving to Shenandoah in 1962. He was employed at several local garages before working at Williams Brothers Garage as a mechanic until his retirement. Jesse had many hobbies, some of his favorites were: trapshooting, (he particip...[more]

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d in many tournaments and won many trophies); woodworking, (he enjoyed making furniture and gunstocks); stockcar racing (he and his brothers had a team in the 1950's); and carpentry (he built his home). He also enjoyed yard work, watching sports on TV and hearing about his grandsons' activities (school and sports). Preceding Jesse in death were his wife Lucille Williams; his parents; brothers, Floyd, Alvin, Leo, John, Nelson, and Virgil; and sisters, Edna, Jane and Alice. Jesse will be sadly missed by his daughter, Diane Remar and her husband Jim of Ralston, Nebraska; grandsons Jared and Justin Remar of Ralston, Nebraska; brother, Russell Williams of Shenandoah, Iowa; Sisters-in-law, Emma Williams of Shenandoah, Iowa and Vivian Houts of Kansas City, Missouri; nieces, Nancy Williams of Shenandoah, Iowa and Mary Lou Davis of Shenandoah, Iowa; nephews, Richard D. Houts of Kansas City, Missouri, Robert Williams of Lanark, Illinois and Ronald Williams of Broomfield, Colorado; numerous great nieces and great nephews; other relatives and friends.