Don Evans Williams was born August 12, 1947 in Jacksonville, Texas to Harry E. and Mary Helen Williams. He passed away March 18, 2022 at the age of 74. Don grew up in Frankston, Texas where he graduated high school in May 1965. He attended Henderson County Junior College in Athens and served during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Shelton. He was employed by Alcoa in Palestine as a welder and worked for 25 years with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in security and maintenance.
Don married Cheryl Peters on May 19, 1988, and their love for each other is a testament to true partnership. They spent many wonderful years of marriage together, building a home in the country that they shared with their children, Jennifer, Christy, Greg, and Julie. This home provided an inviting gathering place for recurring family reunions and annual Fourth of July celebrations for his children, cousins, grandchildren, and many friends. Each time his children and grandchildren drove up to the house, he anticipated their arrival and greeted them outside with a welcoming hug. Don and Cheryl attended Evangelistic Temple and developed close bonds with their small group. In his fashion, Don usually could be counted on to ask a spiritual question that seemed to come out of left field, but was always genuine. He could also be counted on to share Grandpa mints that he kept in his pocket.
Don's grandfather, uncles, and father ran the Williams and Sons lumber company, and his mother's brother owned and operated the Ellis Mercantile, both in Frankston. Don spent much of his time surrounded by these strong, skilled, family-oriented men, and he inherited and exuded these same traits. He was the dependable handyman who could fix anything, and he would often amaze his family with his one-of-a-kind gifts of craftsmanship. Always the true outdoorsman, he spent his days hunting, fishing, playing baseball, and oftentimes looking for adventure or mischief. If he wasn't at home, he was in a deer stand with a rifle or bow on the Link Ranch, on a boat or a bank with a fishing pole, or perhaps saving a lost dog or hand-feeding a squirrel. He promoted this love of the outdoors with his family, building treehouses, riding through wooded trails with dogs on four-wheelers, and shooting guns and homemade bows that he created in the Caddo style from local bois d'arc trees.
Don's loving mother, older sister, grandmothers, and aunts were fundamental to his upbringing. Their strong influence upon him could be seen in his attentiveness to his wife and children. When put in charge of his younger cousins, however, he was frequently the instigator of many exciting antics, sometimes better left secret. He grew up poor, but rich in family, camping at the Red River and Galveston and spending countless Sunday meals and holidays with them. He was truly blessed to have a spirited older sister, Rose Lynn, who enjoyed keeping him in line and tugging on his ear to go faster on their walks to school. Their close bond endured through the years with Rose passing a few short weeks ago on January 30. Perhaps she is now tugging on his ear in Heaven, showing him around.
Don Williams impacted countless lives. Although his physical presence was powerful, it was his personality and demeanor that left a greater impression. He made sure to make time for each person in his life, touching them in an intentional, heartfelt way that leaves a lasting mark. He was a great dance partner to Cheryl, regularly taking her out dancing with his sister and brother-in-law, and he made sure that anyone without a partner got a spin around the floor. During his time working in the prison system, where the environment can take its toll, he shared his stable nature and kindness with many men, improving their lives for the better. He had a smile like a spark that lit up his whole face.
Don is preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Mary Helen Williams, grandparents, Silas Harrison and Vivian Pearl Williams, and Charles Arthur and Rosa Virginia Dabbs Ellis, his sister, Rose Lynn Boling, and son, Greg King.
He is survived by his wife Cheryl Williams of Palestine, daughters and sons-in-law, Jennifer and Neal French of Palestine, Julie and Dale Waldon of Palestine, and Christy Hoisington of Elkhart, his grandchildren, Victoria and her husband Ryan Dunkerson, Randi Bernas, Levi Baker, Elizabeth Baker, Ashley Waldon, Bailee French, William Waldon, Ella Thomas, and Silas Waldon, his brother-in-law Darrell Boling of Frankston, his niece Kimberly and her husband Andy Brazeal, and many special friends and cousins who loved him dearly.
Visitation will take place Saturday, March 26 at 2:00 p.m. at Evangelistic Temple in Palestine, Texas with Don's service to follow at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Central American Outreach Mission at Evangelistic Temple. Don's ashes, in keeping with his wishes, will be spread at the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains by his daughters.
2 Corinthians 4: 13-18
Don married Cheryl Peters on May 19, 1988, and their love for each other is a testament to true partnership. They spent many wonderful years of marriage together, building a home in the country that they shared with their children, Jennifer, Christy, Greg, and Julie. This home provided an inviting gathering place for recurring family reunions and annual Fourth of July celebrations for his children, cousins, grandchildren, and many friends. Each time his children and grandchildren drove up to the house, he anticipated their arrival and greeted them outside with a welcoming hug. Don and Cheryl attended Evangelistic Temple and developed close bonds with their small group. In his fashion, Don usually could be counted on to ask a spiritual question that seemed to come out of left field, but was always genuine. He could also be counted on to share Grandpa mints that he kept in his pocket.
Don's grandfather, uncles, and father ran the Williams and Sons lumber company, and his mother's brother owned and operated the Ellis Mercantile, both in Frankston. Don spent much of his time surrounded by these strong, skilled, family-oriented men, and he inherited and exuded these same traits. He was the dependable handyman who could fix anything, and he would often amaze his family with his one-of-a-kind gifts of craftsmanship. Always the true outdoorsman, he spent his days hunting, fishing, playing baseball, and oftentimes looking for adventure or mischief. If he wasn't at home, he was in a deer stand with a rifle or bow on the Link Ranch, on a boat or a bank with a fishing pole, or perhaps saving a lost dog or hand-feeding a squirrel. He promoted this love of the outdoors with his family, building treehouses, riding through wooded trails with dogs on four-wheelers, and shooting guns and homemade bows that he created in the Caddo style from local bois d'arc trees.
Don's loving mother, older sister, grandmothers, and aunts were fundamental to his upbringing. Their strong influence upon him could be seen in his attentiveness to his wife and children. When put in charge of his younger cousins, however, he was frequently the instigator of many exciting antics, sometimes better left secret. He grew up poor, but rich in family, camping at the Red River and Galveston and spending countless Sunday meals and holidays with them. He was truly blessed to have a spirited older sister, Rose Lynn, who enjoyed keeping him in line and tugging on his ear to go faster on their walks to school. Their close bond endured through the years with Rose passing a few short weeks ago on January 30. Perhaps she is now tugging on his ear in Heaven, showing him around.
Don Williams impacted countless lives. Although his physical presence was powerful, it was his personality and demeanor that left a greater impression. He made sure to make time for each person in his life, touching them in an intentional, heartfelt way that leaves a lasting mark. He was a great dance partner to Cheryl, regularly taking her out dancing with his sister and brother-in-law, and he made sure that anyone without a partner got a spin around the floor. During his time working in the prison system, where the environment can take its toll, he shared his stable nature and kindness with many men, improving their lives for the better. He had a smile like a spark that lit up his whole face.
Don is preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Mary Helen Williams, grandparents, Silas Harrison and Vivian Pearl Williams, and Charles Arthur and Rosa Virginia Dabbs Ellis, his sister, Rose Lynn Boling, and son, Greg King.
He is survived by his wife Cheryl Williams of Palestine, daughters and sons-in-law, Jennifer and Neal French of Palestine, Julie and Dale Waldon of Palestine, and Christy Hoisington of Elkhart, his grandchildren, Victoria and her husband Ryan Dunkerson, Randi Bernas, Levi Baker, Elizabeth Baker, Ashley Waldon, Bailee French, William Waldon, Ella Thomas, and Silas Waldon, his brother-in-law Darrell Boling of Frankston, his niece Kimberly and her husband Andy Brazeal, and many special friends and cousins who loved him dearly.
Visitation will take place Saturday, March 26 at 2:00 p.m. at Evangelistic Temple in Palestine, Texas with Don's service to follow at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Central American Outreach Mission at Evangelistic Temple. Don's ashes, in keeping with his wishes, will be spread at the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains by his daughters.
2 Corinthians 4: 13-18
Don Evans Williams was born August 12, 1947 in Jacksonville, Texas to Harry E. and Mary Helen Williams. He passed away March 18, 2022 at the age of 74. Don grew up in Frankston, Texas where he graduated high school in May 1965. He attended Henderson County Junior College in Athens and served during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Shelton. He was employed by Alcoa in Palestine as a welder and worked for 25 years with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in security and maintenance.
Don married Cheryl Peters on May 19, 1988, and their love for each other is a testament to true partnership. They spent many wonderful years of marriage together, building a home in the country that they shared with their children, Jennifer, Christy, Greg, and Julie. This home provided an inviting gathering place for recurring family reunions and annual Fourth of July celebrations for his children, cousins, grandchildren, and many friends. Each time his children and grandchildren drove up to the house, he anticipated their arrival and greeted them outside with a welcoming hug. Don and Cheryl attended Evangelistic Temple and developed close bonds with their small group. In his fashion, Don usually could be counted on to ask a spiritual question that seemed to come out of left field, but was always genuine. He could also be counted on to share Grandpa mints that he kept in his pocket.
Don's grandfather, uncles, and father ran the Williams and Sons lumber company, and his mother's brother owned and operated the Ellis Mercantile, both in Frankston. Don spent much of his time surrounded by these strong, skilled, family-oriented men, and he inherited and exuded these same traits. He was the dependable handyman who could fix anything, and he would often amaze his family with his one-of-a-kind gifts of craftsmanship. Always the true outdoorsman, he spent his days hunting, fishing, playing baseball, and oftentimes looking for adventure or mischief. If he wasn't at home, he was in a deer stand with a rifle or bow on the Link Ranch, on a boat or a bank with a fishing pole, or perhaps saving a lost dog or hand-feeding a squirrel. He promoted this love of the outdoors with his family, building treehouses, riding through wooded trails with dogs on four-wheelers, and shooting guns and homemade bows that he created in the Caddo style from local bois d'arc trees.
Don's loving mother, older sister, grandmothers, and aunts were fundamental to his upbringing. Their strong influence upon him could be seen in his attentiveness to his wife and children. When put in charge of his younger cousins, however, he was frequently the instigator of many exciting antics, sometimes better left secret. He grew up poor, but rich in family, camping at the Red River and Galveston and spending countless Sunday meals and holidays with them. He was truly blessed to have a spirited older sister, Rose Lynn, who enjoyed keeping him in line and tugging on his ear to go faster on their walks to school. Their close bond endured through the years with Rose passing a few short weeks ago on January 30. Perhaps she is now tugging on his ear in Heaven, showing him around.
Don Williams impacted countless lives. Although his physical presence was powerful, it was his personality and demeanor that left a greater impression. He made sure to make time for each person in his life, touching them in an intentional, heartfelt way that leaves a lasting mark. He was a great dance partner to Cheryl, regularly taking her out dancing with his sister and brother-in-law, and he made sure that anyone without a partner got a spin around the floor. During his time working in the prison system, where the environment can take its toll, he shared his stable nature and kindness with many men, improving their lives for the better. He had a smile like a spark that lit up his whole face.
Don is preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Mary Helen Williams, grandparents, Silas Harrison and Vivian Pearl Williams, and Charles Arthur and Rosa Virginia Dabbs Ellis, his sister, Rose Lynn Boling, and son, Greg King.
He is survived by his wife Cheryl Williams of Palestine, daughters and sons-in-law, Jennifer and Neal French of Palestine, Julie and Dale Waldon of Palestine, and Christy Hoisington of Elkhart, his grandchildren, Victoria and her husband Ryan Dunkerson, Randi Bernas, Levi Baker, Elizabeth Baker, Ashley Waldon, Bailee French, William Waldon, Ella Thomas, and Silas Waldon, his brother-in-law Darrell Boling of Frankston, his niece Kimberly and her husband Andy Brazeal, and many special friends and cousins who loved him dearly.
Visitation will take place Saturday, March 26 at 2:00 p.m. at Evangelistic Temple in Palestine, Texas with Don's service to follow at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Central American Outreach Mission at Evangelistic Temple. Don's ashes, in keeping with his wishes, will be spread at the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains by his daughters.
2 Corinthians 4: 13-18
Don married Cheryl Peters on May 19, 1988, and their love for each other is a testament to true partnership. They spent many wonderful years of marriage together, building a home in the country that they shared with their children, Jennifer, Christy, Greg, and Julie. This home provided an inviting gathering place for recurring family reunions and annual Fourth of July celebrations for his children, cousins, grandchildren, and many friends. Each time his children and grandchildren drove up to the house, he anticipated their arrival and greeted them outside with a welcoming hug. Don and Cheryl attended Evangelistic Temple and developed close bonds with their small group. In his fashion, Don usually could be counted on to ask a spiritual question that seemed to come out of left field, but was always genuine. He could also be counted on to share Grandpa mints that he kept in his pocket.
Don's grandfather, uncles, and father ran the Williams and Sons lumber company, and his mother's brother owned and operated the Ellis Mercantile, both in Frankston. Don spent much of his time surrounded by these strong, skilled, family-oriented men, and he inherited and exuded these same traits. He was the dependable handyman who could fix anything, and he would often amaze his family with his one-of-a-kind gifts of craftsmanship. Always the true outdoorsman, he spent his days hunting, fishing, playing baseball, and oftentimes looking for adventure or mischief. If he wasn't at home, he was in a deer stand with a rifle or bow on the Link Ranch, on a boat or a bank with a fishing pole, or perhaps saving a lost dog or hand-feeding a squirrel. He promoted this love of the outdoors with his family, building treehouses, riding through wooded trails with dogs on four-wheelers, and shooting guns and homemade bows that he created in the Caddo style from local bois d'arc trees.
Don's loving mother, older sister, grandmothers, and aunts were fundamental to his upbringing. Their strong influence upon him could be seen in his attentiveness to his wife and children. When put in charge of his younger cousins, however, he was frequently the instigator of many exciting antics, sometimes better left secret. He grew up poor, but rich in family, camping at the Red River and Galveston and spending countless Sunday meals and holidays with them. He was truly blessed to have a spirited older sister, Rose Lynn, who enjoyed keeping him in line and tugging on his ear to go faster on their walks to school. Their close bond endured through the years with Rose passing a few short weeks ago on January 30. Perhaps she is now tugging on his ear in Heaven, showing him around.
Don Williams impacted countless lives. Although his physical presence was powerful, it was his personality and demeanor that left a greater impression. He made sure to make time for each person in his life, touching them in an intentional, heartfelt way that leaves a lasting mark. He was a great dance partner to Cheryl, regularly taking her out dancing with his sister and brother-in-law, and he made sure that anyone without a partner got a spin around the floor. During his time working in the prison system, where the environment can take its toll, he shared his stable nature and kindness with many men, improving their lives for the better. He had a smile like a spark that lit up his whole face.
Don is preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Mary Helen Williams, grandparents, Silas Harrison and Vivian Pearl Williams, and Charles Arthur and Rosa Virginia Dabbs Ellis, his sister, Rose Lynn Boling, and son, Greg King.
He is survived by his wife Cheryl Williams of Palestine, daughters and sons-in-law, Jennifer and Neal French of Palestine, Julie and Dale Waldon of Palestine, and Christy Hoisington of Elkhart, his grandchildren, Victoria and her husband Ryan Dunkerson, Randi Bernas, Levi Baker, Elizabeth Baker, Ashley Waldon, Bailee French, William Waldon, Ella Thomas, and Silas Waldon, his brother-in-law Darrell Boling of Frankston, his niece Kimberly and her husband Andy Brazeal, and many special friends and cousins who loved him dearly.
Visitation will take place Saturday, March 26 at 2:00 p.m. at Evangelistic Temple in Palestine, Texas with Don's service to follow at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Central American Outreach Mission at Evangelistic Temple. Don's ashes, in keeping with his wishes, will be spread at the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains by his daughters.
2 Corinthians 4: 13-18
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
