Donald Williams
November 29, 1939 - July 28, 2023
Ceres, California - Donald "Don" Williams was born on November 29, 1939 and passed away on July 28, 2023. Services for Don will be held on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at Lakewood Funeral Home followed by a committal at Winton Cemetery District.
Donald Wayne Williams - November 29, 1939 - July 28, 2023
Don was born on November 29, 1939, in Keota, Oklahoma to Henry and Lena Williams, and grew up as one of four children in the family, Jeanette, Janie, and CB.
The Williams family came to Livingston, California, working in agriculture, calling a tent home at first. His dad moved on to work for Gallo ranch, and they moved to Winton where they lived in a very small, family-built home (barely big enough for 6). The tight living quarters did not limit the good memories for the family as his dad served as a lay minister for churches in the area.
Don attended school and graduated from Livingston High School in 1957. Life moved quickly, marrying, and starting a family with three kids Valena, Michael and Shelly. Don came from the generation that understood responsibility for family came first and he sometimes worked two jobs to support and care for his family.
Don was a sport fan, He played and coached softball teams in Winton, Winton Merchants and the Star and Turf Club. As a dad he enjoyed Judo with Mike and Shelly. He took pleasure in coming home to Valena all dolled up by her mom, Mikes football, fishing and the girls school activities in letter guard and baton. As a grandpa he loved going to baseball, football, and soccer to watch his Grand kids play and cheer them on. He would often add on to saying grace at dinner "and Lord please watch over our kids, and all the grandkids".
Don's passion outside of family was fishing! Don Qualified for several bass fishing organizations. Western Bass Regional in New Mexico in 1981 placing 1st and winning a Boat then Qualifying again
1984. Also, the B.A.S.S. Western Regional in 1997 & 1998. At the Red Man Tournament 1986 he landed the Big Fish at 121bs 130z on Clearlake. That fish held the record for a few years. He was a member of the Bass Masters in Modesto, placing in several tournaments. One of his greatest joys was when he and Mike fished team tournaments especially the many times Mike "Skunked" him by catching the biggest Fish.
Life changes in a phone call! Fishing in a tournament, a friend Sharon Dobbs, told Don he needed to meet her neighbor, Genella, Don handed Sharon his number for Genella to call. Wrong move! The Dobbs let him know Genella was not calling no man. They told Don and he agreed to call her, she quickly ran home to get his call!
A blind date followed and 6 months later on November 17, 1984, they were married, and began their life together. Don and Genella's love grew from knowledge that divorce is hard but gave them that common bond that brought them even closer. To be able to say to each other they wished things had been different in their past lives all the while gaining respect for each other. Janie Marie, Genella's only daughter, finally got sisters and a brother.
With that love they embraced, loved, and claimed each other's children as their own. Loving on Valena, Michael, Shelly, and Janie with kindness and nurturing guidance, gaining the love and respect of their children. Sharing blood is not required to be family!
Don's work career driving as Teamster was cut short due to work injury, back problems and then heart issues that all limited his activity for the better part of the past 26 years. They worked together trying to maintain his health with Genella leading the way in his care and trying to control his diet! He did love sweets! He often expressed that she had kept him alive! Those who had the privilege of sharing time with them in their home, know this was true!
Don's last days were hard in the hospital, with COVID and his body exhausted. Genella walked with him all the way, and with family around him he was loved home to be with the Lord, fully restored and without pain.
Grateful for him in this life!
Don is survived by his wife, Genella, their children and grand-children.
CHILDREN
Valena Bell (Randy Bell)
Michael Williams (Josephine Williams)
Janie Ricker
GRANDCHILDREN
Jeffery and Kevin Wheeler
Tricia Don Williams
Jason Rosenwinkle Natalie Owen, John and James Gilbertson
GREAT-GRAND CHILDREN
Alexis Keys, LJ and Mary Wallace, Kenny, and Korey Suttles
Hayley, Payton, and Bradley Wheeler
Bently Rosenwinkle
Branson Odell
GREAT-GREAT-GRAND CHILDREN
Zayden and Erin Keys
Alani Wallace
Druen Wheeler
PREDECEASED - Father Henry Clay Williams Mother Lena May Williams, Sister Janet Basham, Janie Peaster, Brother CB Williams, Daughter Shelly Royal.
Pallbearer's
Mike Williams - Honorary
Jeffery Wheeler
Ryan Williams
John Gilbertson
James Gilbertson
Randy Bell Kenny Suttles
Vincent Dowler Ryan Schaff
Albert Oliver
A visitation for Donald will be held Wednesday, August 9, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Lakewood Funeral Home - Heritage Chapel, 900 Santa Fe Ave, Hughson, CA 95326. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, August 9, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 900 Santa Fe Ave, Hughson, CA 95326. A graveside service will occur Wednesday, August 9, 2023 from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at Winton Cemetery District, 7651 Almond Avenue, Winton, CA 95388
1940 U.S. Census in Sans Bois, Haskell, Oklahoma :
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship
Henry Williams 29 Head
Lena Williams 24 Wife
Jenett Williams 7 Daughter
Jane Williams 4 Daughter
Donald Way Williams 1 Son
Clyde Gossett 29 Lodger
1950 U.S. Census in Township 8, Winton, Merced, California:
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship
Williams, Henry, 39, Head
Williams, Lena, 34, Wife
Janette Williams 17 Daughter
Jane Williams 14 Daughter
Donald H Williams 11 Son
B C Williams 8 Son
November 29, 1939 - July 28, 2023
Ceres, California - Donald "Don" Williams was born on November 29, 1939 and passed away on July 28, 2023. Services for Don will be held on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at Lakewood Funeral Home followed by a committal at Winton Cemetery District.
Donald Wayne Williams - November 29, 1939 - July 28, 2023
Don was born on November 29, 1939, in Keota, Oklahoma to Henry and Lena Williams, and grew up as one of four children in the family, Jeanette, Janie, and CB.
The Williams family came to Livingston, California, working in agriculture, calling a tent home at first. His dad moved on to work for Gallo ranch, and they moved to Winton where they lived in a very small, family-built home (barely big enough for 6). The tight living quarters did not limit the good memories for the family as his dad served as a lay minister for churches in the area.
Don attended school and graduated from Livingston High School in 1957. Life moved quickly, marrying, and starting a family with three kids Valena, Michael and Shelly. Don came from the generation that understood responsibility for family came first and he sometimes worked two jobs to support and care for his family.
Don was a sport fan, He played and coached softball teams in Winton, Winton Merchants and the Star and Turf Club. As a dad he enjoyed Judo with Mike and Shelly. He took pleasure in coming home to Valena all dolled up by her mom, Mikes football, fishing and the girls school activities in letter guard and baton. As a grandpa he loved going to baseball, football, and soccer to watch his Grand kids play and cheer them on. He would often add on to saying grace at dinner "and Lord please watch over our kids, and all the grandkids".
Don's passion outside of family was fishing! Don Qualified for several bass fishing organizations. Western Bass Regional in New Mexico in 1981 placing 1st and winning a Boat then Qualifying again
1984. Also, the B.A.S.S. Western Regional in 1997 & 1998. At the Red Man Tournament 1986 he landed the Big Fish at 121bs 130z on Clearlake. That fish held the record for a few years. He was a member of the Bass Masters in Modesto, placing in several tournaments. One of his greatest joys was when he and Mike fished team tournaments especially the many times Mike "Skunked" him by catching the biggest Fish.
Life changes in a phone call! Fishing in a tournament, a friend Sharon Dobbs, told Don he needed to meet her neighbor, Genella, Don handed Sharon his number for Genella to call. Wrong move! The Dobbs let him know Genella was not calling no man. They told Don and he agreed to call her, she quickly ran home to get his call!
A blind date followed and 6 months later on November 17, 1984, they were married, and began their life together. Don and Genella's love grew from knowledge that divorce is hard but gave them that common bond that brought them even closer. To be able to say to each other they wished things had been different in their past lives all the while gaining respect for each other. Janie Marie, Genella's only daughter, finally got sisters and a brother.
With that love they embraced, loved, and claimed each other's children as their own. Loving on Valena, Michael, Shelly, and Janie with kindness and nurturing guidance, gaining the love and respect of their children. Sharing blood is not required to be family!
Don's work career driving as Teamster was cut short due to work injury, back problems and then heart issues that all limited his activity for the better part of the past 26 years. They worked together trying to maintain his health with Genella leading the way in his care and trying to control his diet! He did love sweets! He often expressed that she had kept him alive! Those who had the privilege of sharing time with them in their home, know this was true!
Don's last days were hard in the hospital, with COVID and his body exhausted. Genella walked with him all the way, and with family around him he was loved home to be with the Lord, fully restored and without pain.
Grateful for him in this life!
Don is survived by his wife, Genella, their children and grand-children.
CHILDREN
Valena Bell (Randy Bell)
Michael Williams (Josephine Williams)
Janie Ricker
GRANDCHILDREN
Jeffery and Kevin Wheeler
Tricia Don Williams
Jason Rosenwinkle Natalie Owen, John and James Gilbertson
GREAT-GRAND CHILDREN
Alexis Keys, LJ and Mary Wallace, Kenny, and Korey Suttles
Hayley, Payton, and Bradley Wheeler
Bently Rosenwinkle
Branson Odell
GREAT-GREAT-GRAND CHILDREN
Zayden and Erin Keys
Alani Wallace
Druen Wheeler
PREDECEASED - Father Henry Clay Williams Mother Lena May Williams, Sister Janet Basham, Janie Peaster, Brother CB Williams, Daughter Shelly Royal.
Pallbearer's
Mike Williams - Honorary
Jeffery Wheeler
Ryan Williams
John Gilbertson
James Gilbertson
Randy Bell Kenny Suttles
Vincent Dowler Ryan Schaff
Albert Oliver
A visitation for Donald will be held Wednesday, August 9, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Lakewood Funeral Home - Heritage Chapel, 900 Santa Fe Ave, Hughson, CA 95326. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, August 9, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 900 Santa Fe Ave, Hughson, CA 95326. A graveside service will occur Wednesday, August 9, 2023 from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at Winton Cemetery District, 7651 Almond Avenue, Winton, CA 95388
1940 U.S. Census in Sans Bois, Haskell, Oklahoma :
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship
Henry Williams 29 Head
Lena Williams 24 Wife
Jenett Williams 7 Daughter
Jane Williams 4 Daughter
Donald Way Williams 1 Son
Clyde Gossett 29 Lodger
1950 U.S. Census in Township 8, Winton, Merced, California:
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship
Williams, Henry, 39, Head
Williams, Lena, 34, Wife
Janette Williams 17 Daughter
Jane Williams 14 Daughter
Donald H Williams 11 Son
B C Williams 8 Son
Donald Williams
November 29, 1939 - July 28, 2023
Ceres, California - Donald "Don" Williams was born on November 29, 1939 and passed away on July 28, 2023. Services for Don will be held on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at Lakewood Funeral Home followed by a committal at Winton Cemetery District.
Donald Wayne Williams - November 29, 1939 - July 28, 2023
Don was born on November 29, 1939, in Keota, Oklahoma to Henry and Lena Williams, and grew up as one of four children in the family, Jeanette, Janie, and CB.
The Williams family came to Livingston, California, working in agriculture, calling a tent home at first. His dad moved on to work for Gallo ranch, and they moved to Winton where they lived in a very small, family-built home (barely big enough for 6). The tight living quarters did not limit the good memories for the family as his dad served as a lay minister for churches in the area.
Don attended school and graduated from Livingston High School in 1957. Life moved quickly, marrying, and starting a family with three kids Valena, Michael and Shelly. Don came from the generation that understood responsibility for family came first and he sometimes worked two jobs to support and care for his family.
Don was a sport fan, He played and coached softball teams in Winton, Winton Merchants and the Star and Turf Club. As a dad he enjoyed Judo with Mike and Shelly. He took pleasure in coming home to Valena all dolled up by her mom, Mikes football, fishing and the girls school activities in letter guard and baton. As a grandpa he loved going to baseball, football, and soccer to watch his Grand kids play and cheer them on. He would often add on to saying grace at dinner "and Lord please watch over our kids, and all the grandkids".
Don's passion outside of family was fishing! Don Qualified for several bass fishing organizations. Western Bass Regional in New Mexico in 1981 placing 1st and winning a Boat then Qualifying again
1984. Also, the B.A.S.S. Western Regional in 1997 & 1998. At the Red Man Tournament 1986 he landed the Big Fish at 121bs 130z on Clearlake. That fish held the record for a few years. He was a member of the Bass Masters in Modesto, placing in several tournaments. One of his greatest joys was when he and Mike fished team tournaments especially the many times Mike "Skunked" him by catching the biggest Fish.
Life changes in a phone call! Fishing in a tournament, a friend Sharon Dobbs, told Don he needed to meet her neighbor, Genella, Don handed Sharon his number for Genella to call. Wrong move! The Dobbs let him know Genella was not calling no man. They told Don and he agreed to call her, she quickly ran home to get his call!
A blind date followed and 6 months later on November 17, 1984, they were married, and began their life together. Don and Genella's love grew from knowledge that divorce is hard but gave them that common bond that brought them even closer. To be able to say to each other they wished things had been different in their past lives all the while gaining respect for each other. Janie Marie, Genella's only daughter, finally got sisters and a brother.
With that love they embraced, loved, and claimed each other's children as their own. Loving on Valena, Michael, Shelly, and Janie with kindness and nurturing guidance, gaining the love and respect of their children. Sharing blood is not required to be family!
Don's work career driving as Teamster was cut short due to work injury, back problems and then heart issues that all limited his activity for the better part of the past 26 years. They worked together trying to maintain his health with Genella leading the way in his care and trying to control his diet! He did love sweets! He often expressed that she had kept him alive! Those who had the privilege of sharing time with them in their home, know this was true!
Don's last days were hard in the hospital, with COVID and his body exhausted. Genella walked with him all the way, and with family around him he was loved home to be with the Lord, fully restored and without pain.
Grateful for him in this life!
Don is survived by his wife, Genella, their children and grand-children.
CHILDREN
Valena Bell (Randy Bell)
Michael Williams (Josephine Williams)
Janie Ricker
GRANDCHILDREN
Jeffery and Kevin Wheeler
Tricia Don Williams
Jason Rosenwinkle Natalie Owen, John and James Gilbertson
GREAT-GRAND CHILDREN
Alexis Keys, LJ and Mary Wallace, Kenny, and Korey Suttles
Hayley, Payton, and Bradley Wheeler
Bently Rosenwinkle
Branson Odell
GREAT-GREAT-GRAND CHILDREN
Zayden and Erin Keys
Alani Wallace
Druen Wheeler
PREDECEASED - Father Henry Clay Williams Mother Lena May Williams, Sister Janet Basham, Janie Peaster, Brother CB Williams, Daughter Shelly Royal.
Pallbearer's
Mike Williams - Honorary
Jeffery Wheeler
Ryan Williams
John Gilbertson
James Gilbertson
Randy Bell Kenny Suttles
Vincent Dowler Ryan Schaff
Albert Oliver
A visitation for Donald will be held Wednesday, August 9, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Lakewood Funeral Home - Heritage Chapel, 900 Santa Fe Ave, Hughson, CA 95326. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, August 9, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 900 Santa Fe Ave, Hughson, CA 95326. A graveside service will occur Wednesday, August 9, 2023 from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at Winton Cemetery District, 7651 Almond Avenue, Winton, CA 95388
1940 U.S. Census in Sans Bois, Haskell, Oklahoma :
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship
Henry Williams 29 Head
Lena Williams 24 Wife
Jenett Williams 7 Daughter
Jane Williams 4 Daughter
Donald Way Williams 1 Son
Clyde Gossett 29 Lodger
1950 U.S. Census in Township 8, Winton, Merced, California:
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship
Williams, Henry, 39, Head
Williams, Lena, 34, Wife
Janette Williams 17 Daughter
Jane Williams 14 Daughter
Donald H Williams 11 Son
B C Williams 8 Son
November 29, 1939 - July 28, 2023
Ceres, California - Donald "Don" Williams was born on November 29, 1939 and passed away on July 28, 2023. Services for Don will be held on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at Lakewood Funeral Home followed by a committal at Winton Cemetery District.
Donald Wayne Williams - November 29, 1939 - July 28, 2023
Don was born on November 29, 1939, in Keota, Oklahoma to Henry and Lena Williams, and grew up as one of four children in the family, Jeanette, Janie, and CB.
The Williams family came to Livingston, California, working in agriculture, calling a tent home at first. His dad moved on to work for Gallo ranch, and they moved to Winton where they lived in a very small, family-built home (barely big enough for 6). The tight living quarters did not limit the good memories for the family as his dad served as a lay minister for churches in the area.
Don attended school and graduated from Livingston High School in 1957. Life moved quickly, marrying, and starting a family with three kids Valena, Michael and Shelly. Don came from the generation that understood responsibility for family came first and he sometimes worked two jobs to support and care for his family.
Don was a sport fan, He played and coached softball teams in Winton, Winton Merchants and the Star and Turf Club. As a dad he enjoyed Judo with Mike and Shelly. He took pleasure in coming home to Valena all dolled up by her mom, Mikes football, fishing and the girls school activities in letter guard and baton. As a grandpa he loved going to baseball, football, and soccer to watch his Grand kids play and cheer them on. He would often add on to saying grace at dinner "and Lord please watch over our kids, and all the grandkids".
Don's passion outside of family was fishing! Don Qualified for several bass fishing organizations. Western Bass Regional in New Mexico in 1981 placing 1st and winning a Boat then Qualifying again
1984. Also, the B.A.S.S. Western Regional in 1997 & 1998. At the Red Man Tournament 1986 he landed the Big Fish at 121bs 130z on Clearlake. That fish held the record for a few years. He was a member of the Bass Masters in Modesto, placing in several tournaments. One of his greatest joys was when he and Mike fished team tournaments especially the many times Mike "Skunked" him by catching the biggest Fish.
Life changes in a phone call! Fishing in a tournament, a friend Sharon Dobbs, told Don he needed to meet her neighbor, Genella, Don handed Sharon his number for Genella to call. Wrong move! The Dobbs let him know Genella was not calling no man. They told Don and he agreed to call her, she quickly ran home to get his call!
A blind date followed and 6 months later on November 17, 1984, they were married, and began their life together. Don and Genella's love grew from knowledge that divorce is hard but gave them that common bond that brought them even closer. To be able to say to each other they wished things had been different in their past lives all the while gaining respect for each other. Janie Marie, Genella's only daughter, finally got sisters and a brother.
With that love they embraced, loved, and claimed each other's children as their own. Loving on Valena, Michael, Shelly, and Janie with kindness and nurturing guidance, gaining the love and respect of their children. Sharing blood is not required to be family!
Don's work career driving as Teamster was cut short due to work injury, back problems and then heart issues that all limited his activity for the better part of the past 26 years. They worked together trying to maintain his health with Genella leading the way in his care and trying to control his diet! He did love sweets! He often expressed that she had kept him alive! Those who had the privilege of sharing time with them in their home, know this was true!
Don's last days were hard in the hospital, with COVID and his body exhausted. Genella walked with him all the way, and with family around him he was loved home to be with the Lord, fully restored and without pain.
Grateful for him in this life!
Don is survived by his wife, Genella, their children and grand-children.
CHILDREN
Valena Bell (Randy Bell)
Michael Williams (Josephine Williams)
Janie Ricker
GRANDCHILDREN
Jeffery and Kevin Wheeler
Tricia Don Williams
Jason Rosenwinkle Natalie Owen, John and James Gilbertson
GREAT-GRAND CHILDREN
Alexis Keys, LJ and Mary Wallace, Kenny, and Korey Suttles
Hayley, Payton, and Bradley Wheeler
Bently Rosenwinkle
Branson Odell
GREAT-GREAT-GRAND CHILDREN
Zayden and Erin Keys
Alani Wallace
Druen Wheeler
PREDECEASED - Father Henry Clay Williams Mother Lena May Williams, Sister Janet Basham, Janie Peaster, Brother CB Williams, Daughter Shelly Royal.
Pallbearer's
Mike Williams - Honorary
Jeffery Wheeler
Ryan Williams
John Gilbertson
James Gilbertson
Randy Bell Kenny Suttles
Vincent Dowler Ryan Schaff
Albert Oliver
A visitation for Donald will be held Wednesday, August 9, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Lakewood Funeral Home - Heritage Chapel, 900 Santa Fe Ave, Hughson, CA 95326. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, August 9, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 900 Santa Fe Ave, Hughson, CA 95326. A graveside service will occur Wednesday, August 9, 2023 from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at Winton Cemetery District, 7651 Almond Avenue, Winton, CA 95388
1940 U.S. Census in Sans Bois, Haskell, Oklahoma :
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship
Henry Williams 29 Head
Lena Williams 24 Wife
Jenett Williams 7 Daughter
Jane Williams 4 Daughter
Donald Way Williams 1 Son
Clyde Gossett 29 Lodger
1950 U.S. Census in Township 8, Winton, Merced, California:
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship
Williams, Henry, 39, Head
Williams, Lena, 34, Wife
Janette Williams 17 Daughter
Jane Williams 14 Daughter
Donald H Williams 11 Son
B C Williams 8 Son
Family Members
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