Don Williams

Donald Earl Williams, age 98, passed away peacefully on October 2nd 2015 in Corning, Iowa. Donald was born November 16, 1916 in Clarinda, Iowa to Earl E. and Anna Twining Williams. He was the middle child and after his mother’s passing in 1918 he and his older sister Marjorie were raised by Earl’s parents Oliver and Jessie Williams of Corning. They were his parents in love and guidance. Don attended Corning Public Schools graduating in 1935. Don attended Simpson College in Indianola for two years. Taking a year off to work in Colorado and returning to finish his degree at Drake University in Des Moines, IA. He graduated from Drake in 1941 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.
Don married Carrie Bernice Melick in West Liberty, IA on October 25th, 1941. Two daughters were born from their union; Carol Ann in 1943 and Helen Cameron in 1945. On June 1st, 1942 Don entered the military service in World War II and served overseas until he was discharged as First Sergeant in November of 1945.
Don worked with Earl and his brother Bob at their family owned Phillips 66 gas station in Clarinda, IA. On July 1st, 1951, Don purchased the Gambles Store in Corning and operated the appliance and hardware store until January 2nd, 1982, when he sold it to his daughter and son-in-law. Don enjoyed being a business leader in the community and served on many local boards and organizations. He was active with the Corning Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Adams County Historical Society, Corning Utilities Board, and charter member for the Corning Nursing Home. Don’s passion in life was for the local community of Corning.
After he retired Don enjoyed traveling with Carrie and researching family genealogy. He worked on assembling books of genealogy dating back to our relatives who came over on the Mayflower. He was a wonderful family historian and avid photographer. Don could often be found in his chair working on crossword puzzles, listening to big band music on his radio or watching sporting events on television. In his younger years he enjoyed golfing and bowling.
Don is survived by his two daughters: Carol Ann (Bob) Cline, and Helen C. Knight; seven grandchildren: Cindy (Kendall) Roberts, Wendy (Gary) Young, Chris (Karen) Cline, Patrick Knight, Sean (Angie) Knight, Kerry Knight, and Anne (Tyson) Greenwalt; 12 great-grandchildren: Nick Young, Kellen Roberts, Ghie Dutch, Spencer Dutch, Darby Young, Taylor Young, Tristan Greenwalt, Julia Knight, Emily Knight, Mason Greenwalt, Jessica Knight, and Erica Knight; sister-in-law: Marion Motis; and brother-in-law; Filmore (Marg) Melick.
Proceeding Don in death are his grandparents Oliver & Jessie Williams; parents Anna & Earl Williams; sister Marjorie Stanley; brother-in-law Byron Stanley; sister-in-law: Jean Williams; brother Bob Williams; son-in-law Philip Knight, and his loving wife Carrie.