Robert L. “Bob” Williams, 74, of Paw Paw, passed away on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at Mendota Community Hospital. He was born March 8, 1938 in Peoria, IL, the son of Wilbur S. and Dollie Marie Williams. He was united in marriage to Eunice Hazel on August 8, 1959 in Grantsburg, IL.
Bob attended school in Golconda, IL. After high school, he worked for Western Electric for one year before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. After his naval service, he went to work for Caterpillar in Aurora, retiring from there in 2003 after 39 years of service. Bob enjoyed the outdoors. He loved to hike, fish and take in the fall scenery. He was known as Mr. Fix It at home and to his kids. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He is described by his family as honest, hard working, patient and kind. He was a great guy who will be missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Eunice; three children, Terri (Ron) Robinson of Paw Paw, Steve (Marcie) Williams of Paw Paw, and Tonya (Gordon) Bradford of Kingston; five grandchildren, Shawn Robinson of Ottawa, Brandon and Skyler Robinson of Paw Paw, and Kevin and Chris Williams of Paw Paw; a great-grandchild, Nathaniel Robinson; his mother, Dollie Williams of Cocoa Beach, FL; two brothers, Ron (Bettye) Williams of Paducah, KY and Marion (Debra) Williams of Seneca, NC; a sister, Kay Alshouse of Cocoa Beach, FL; two sisters-in-law, Sandra Hazel of Metropolis, IL and Sandra Carter of Aransas, Texas; a brother-in-law, Jim Hazel of Somonauk; a cousin; and several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his father; his father and mother-in-law, Thomas and Ova Hazel; sisters-in-law, Josephine Jennings and Sue Hazel; brothers-in-law Tommy Hazel and Jim Carter; a nephew, Philip Jennings; one uncle; and four cousins.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M Monday, September 24, 2012 at the Paw Paw United Methodist Church, 370 Wiley Avenue, in Paw Paw with Pastor Ken Foster officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service. Interment will follow in Wyoming Township Cemetery in Paw Paw.
Contributions in Bob’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society.
For information, contact Torman Funeral Home 815-627-3811. Online condolences may be expressed at www.TormanFuneralHome.com.
Our deepest sympathy to the family of “Bob Williams” for your loss. Will always remember him as a neighbor and good friend in the 1950’s and 60’s. Love and Prayers to each of you.
Donna & P.D. Mathis.
God is good all the time.
Dear Eunice and family –
So sorry to hear of your loss. May all your memories sustain through the difficult days ahead. Thinking of you with sympathy.
To the family of robert williams –
sorry, too of your lost. your father, uncle, husband and friend will be miss. may his memories bring you peace.