"Our deepest sympathy to you Myra and to all of your family. I had such a nice visit with you and Ray just a couple of weeks ago. Both the Charter Oak and Dow City communities share your loss. May your memories sustain you all during this time of loss."
In loving memory of
Ramon "Ray" Williams
October 4, 1934 - February 10, 2020
Ramon John Williams was born October 4, 1934, in rural Portsmouth, Iowa, the son of Raymond and Dorothy Williams. He passed away Monday, February 10, 2020, at the Crawford County Memorial Hospital in Denison, Iowa, at the age of eighty-five.
Ramon graduated from Dunlap High School with the class of 1953. Ramon entered the United States Army February 11, 1957, serving his country in Germany as military police. He was honorably discharged February 4, 1959, and received the Marksman (Carbine Pistol) Award and Good Conduct Medal. He was united in marriage with Myra Butler April 8, 1961 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dow City, Iowa.
Ramon’s various areas of employment included: the railroad, worked for area farmers, did carpentry work for Holly Fouts of Dow City and helped build the elevator in Charter Oak. He was also employed at Tiptop Products in Omaha and Hested Lee and J.J. Newberry Dime Stores.
They lived in Norfolk, Nebraska, Pierre, South Dakota, Carroll, Iowa, Moorhead, Minnesota and Jamestown, North Dakota, where they purchased the Ben Franklin Store. In 1979, they purchased the Gambles store in Denison and moved to Charter Oak in 1980. Ramon was then employed by Dubuque Packing until it closed in 1988 and then worked for Hineline Furniture Store in Harlan, Iowa.
Community involvement was important to Ramon as he served on the Charter Oak-Ute School Board from 1982 until 1985 and was on the St. Boniface Church Council from 1982 to 1984. He enjoyed woodworking, horses, dancing at Columbia Hall on Friday nights, and watching westerns and Lawrence Welk on television. Ramon was also a basketball fan, pro and college, and also always attended his children’s and grandchildren’s games.
Ramon was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Kenneth and Donald; five brothers-in-law, Ernie, Ward, Larry, Franklyn and Jerry; one sister-in-law, Mary. Survivors include: his wife, Myra; three daughters, Phyllis and husband, Scott, Tammy, and Laura and husband, Bryan; two sons, Timothy and wife, Diane, and Todd and wife, Kristine; fourteen grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; three brothers, Neil, Phillip and Dally; five sisters, Roseanne, Donna, Betty, Janet, and Colleen; two sisters-in-law, Kay, and Coleen and husband, Skip; other relatives and friends.
Tributes
"My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Ray's family. I became attached to Ray, and that awesome smile of his! A piece of him will always remain in my heart, and he will definitely be missed! Sending hugs and prayers for peace and healing!"
"Lit a candle in memory of Ramon "Ray" Williams"
"Sorry to hear of Ray's passing Always enjoyed chatting with him when we crossed paths.
My thoughts and prayers are with you."
"With our sympathy,
Lucia and Bill"
"Lit a candle in memory of Ramon "Ray" Williams"
"Lit a candle in memory of Ramon "Ray" Williams"
"I've enjoy taking care of Ray. He will be missed."
"We weep with you and share your sorrow--
Jan Collins Bendixen"
"To the entire Williams family: I'm so sorry for your loss. I know Ray was a great man and loved you all very much."
"Myra and the entire Williams Family: We were socked and sorry to here of Rays passing. We have fond memories of our good neighbor and friend when we lived in Charter Oak. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Karen & Ted Chamberlain"
"Myra, Tammy and family: So very sorry for your loss! I pray that you will feel the comfort of God, & His perfect peace will sustain you today and always.:pray::skin-tone-3:"
"Sorry to hear of Ray's passing. I have a lot of memories of Ray and Myra and the Williams family back in the "school days" in Dow City. You have our sympathy! Larry and Carlyn Garrett"