Richard J. Williams

Richard John Williams, 82, passed away Saturday, October 20, 2012 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio in Perrysburg. He was born to John and Mabel Renn Williams on June 20, 1930 in Toledo where he lived his entire life. Richard graduated from Libby High School in 1948 and continued his studies at the University of Toledo. He proudly served his country in the Korean War from 1950-1954 in the U.S. Air Force and was awarded the title of the best dressed serviceman. He worked at Libby Owens Ford for over 45 years, beginning as a teenager in the mailroom and ending in the Engineering Department at the Tech Center. In 1956 he married Elizabeth Jane Strout. Elizabeth and their family were his life. Together they raised three children and cherished their seven grandchildren. One of Richards favorite places was White Birch Lodge. He took his family on vacation there for many years beginning in the 1960s and it remains a family tradition today. Richard had a great interest in and knowledge of trains, the Civil War, glass production and limericks. He also loved the Big Band music, listening to Doris Day, Frank Sinatra and Johnny Cash. Richard was an early and meticulous recycler of glass, paper and aluminum. He was green before it was popular. He was an honest, caring and gentle man who was devoted to his family and church. He served Pilgrim Church in many capacities and most recently was a member of Sylvania UCC. Richard will be deeply missed by his family and friends. He is survived and cherished by his wife, Elizabeth; children, Ann Joseph Wirtz, Steven Williams, and James Peggy Williams; and grandchildren, Emily, Tommy, Katie and Nick Wirtz; and Chad, Reed and Brecklen Williams. He is preceded in death by his parents and twin brother Bernard. The family would like to thank Comfort Keepers, especially Carole Smith and Carol Burnett as well as the kind and caring services of NW Ohio Hospice at Perrysburg. Friends will be received at the Walker Funeral Home 5155 Sylvania Ave. west of Corey on Monday from 4-7 PM where funeral services will be held Tuesday at 11 AM. Interment will follow at Toledo Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to NW Ohio Hospice or the Alzheimers foundation.