Don Eugene Williams, age 87, of Buckhannon, WV died Thursday, February 18, 2010 at his home. He was born September 5, 1922 in Hamlin, WV, a son of the late Philip Ranson and Blanche Scites Williams. On April 16, 1971 he married Betty Jo Callaway who survives. Also surviving are three daughters, Barbara Howes and husband Mike of Sterling, VA, Becky Kittka and husband Joe of Round Hill, VA and Debra Moss and husband John of Buckhannon; two sons, Pat Williams and wife Peggy of Cedar Park, TX and Mike Williams of Counterport, PA; two granddaughters, Lori Tafazoli and husband Dr. Mark Tafazoli and Jenny Eggleston; nine grandsons, Chris Cole, Chris Howes, Alex Kittka, Jonathan Williams, Daniel Williams, Roger Queen, JC Moss, Jeremy Moss and Dustin Moss; several great-grandchildren; sister in law, Virginia Williams of Katy, TX and son in law, John Paul Cole. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death his 1st wife, Phyllis Shepp Williams; one daughter, Vicki Cole; one brother, Philip Godfrey Williams and one sister, Lois Eloise Williams. Don was a product of West Virginia in the purest sense of the word. A child of the Depression, he grew up passed among various families of relatives, and although money was scare, he often said that he always felt surrounded by love. Like many of his later friends, he found The Civilian Conservation Corps a valuable stepping-stone toward his future, and he always took pride in having served in the CCC’s. During World War II, he served in the US Navy, and later graduated from WV University with a degree in Forestry. He held positions with the Forestry Service, Soil Conservation Service, and, finally, became a District Director for the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, moving his family from Mineral County to Wyoming and Raleigh Counties in the process. He was active in The Lions Club, served on the County Water Commission, and took the position of Treasurer of the First United Methodist Church, which he held for a number of years. One of his greatest pleasures in later years came from his propagation of roses, and he delighted in sharing a variety of the lovely blossoms with friends throughout Buckhannon, frequently taking stems to folks at the bank and restaurants as well as the annual rose dinner for the Fred Brooks Garden Club. For many years, he particularly enjoyed having breakfast at The Old Mill with friends, where they discussed the goings on about town. His other great passion was his love for the people of WV, and he could spin yarns for hours about characters with whom he’d come in contact during the years. Buckhannon was very special to him, and he always felt that the town had embraced his family at the time when he most needed it. Many of his conversations with family members began, “You know, this is a great little town…” And so it has been. Friends will be received Saturday, February 20, 2010 from 4-6 PM at the Poling-st. Clair Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held 2 PM Sunday at the funeral home with the Rev. Billie Scott Mick and the Rev. Dr. Damon Rhodes officiating. Burial will follow in the Heavner Cemetery. Poling-st. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
