Robert W. Williams, 85 of Watseka passed away on October 5, 2024 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka. He was born on October 20, 1938 in Watseka a son of Warren E. and Ruth C. (Nally) Williams. Bob married Mary Ellen Keetley Smith in Watseka on May 10, 1986 and she survives. Also surviving are one daughter- Keela (Bob Kakiuchi) Williams of Seattle, WA; five sons- John (Lynette) Williams of Carrollton, Paul Williams of Chicago, Marty (Shelli) Williams of Chicago, Bill (Mark MacDougall) Smith of Boston, MA, and Mike Smith of El Paso, TX; six grandchildren- Elaena (Carson) Hoel, Daniel Williams, Rachel Williams, Claire Williams, Melanie Smith, and Aidan Williams. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister- Sue Pfingsten.
Bob graduated from Watseka Community High School in 1956. He attended Purdue University, Southern Illinois University and finished his degree at Governors State University after retiring from Uarco. He was a member of Watseka Elks Lodge having served as Past Exalted Ruler. His love of sports and his children found him active in Little League, Babe Ruth League, and Girls Softball League. Bob was a Webelos leader for the Scouts. He was active in the churches that he attended- serving as a Lector at St. Edmund Catholic Church and involved in many of the activities of the Knights of Columbus. Currently, he was very active in First Presbyterian Church in Watseka, even stepping up to the pulpit, if needed. Bob was in charge of the local United Way during the 1990’s and was past president of Shewami Country Club. Bob was involved with the Iroquois County Relay for Life as a member of Wolfie’s Walkers Relay Team, one of the top fundraising teams. Bob volunteered his time at Iroquois Memorial Hospital, administered the grant money for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program, and was chairman of the food committee for the annual Iroquois Memorial Hospice brunch. As a result of his years giving back to his community, Bob received the Watseka Times Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022.
Visitation will be on Tuesday October 8, 2024 from 4-7 pm at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka and one hour prior to the 11:00 am funeral service on Wednesday October 9, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church in Watseka. Pastor John Franklin will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice, First Presbyterian Church, Iroquois County Animal Rescue, Watseka Athletic Boosters or Watseka Band Boosters.
Please share a memory of Bob at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.
