Williams, Earl Eugene

died at his home Aug 26, 2000, following a lengthy illness. He was 75. Mr. Williams was born Oct 15, 1924, in Aurora Missouri, the son of Onie M. Williams and Dora Williams. He is a lifelong Baxter Springs Kansas resident. Gene graduated from Baxter Springs High School in 1942. A veteran, at age 18, he volunteered for service during World War II, serving from December 1942 to February 1944 in the U.S. Army. He attended college at NEO in Miami and then worked for Federal Mining and Smelting Company for a short time. He was an auctioneer. He graduated in 1948 from Kansas State University with a bachelor of science degree in agriculture. Gene taught school at Riverton Kansas, for the veterans training program. He attended law school in Tulsa Oklahoma, from 1958 to 1961. He had recently attended law school in Wichita Kansas. He owned Big Chief Boat and Canoe Company from 1960 to 1973. He was employed by the United States Postal Service as a rural letter carrier for almost 49 years at Baxter Springs and Galena Kansas, retiring in October 1996 from Galena. Williams was a member of the First Baptist Church in Baxter Springs for more than 65 years, the Disabled American Veterans, Baxter American Legion, Masonic Lodge #99 in Wichita, and the Scottish Rite. He was also a student member of the Kansas Bar Association. On April 23, 1960, Gene and Mary E. Blinzler were united in marriage in Joplin Missouri. They lived in Baxter Springs since their wedding. In addition to his wife, Mary Williams of 40 years, two sons, Wayne Williams and Jeffery Williams, both of Baxter Springs; two brothers, Roy C. Williams of Baxter Springs and Howard Dale Williams of Oklahoma City Oklahoma; and several nieces and nephews survive. An infant son, Phillip Andrew Williams, preceded him in death. The funeral service is at 10 a.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church in Baxter Springs. Rev. Joe Lynn Robbins will officiate. Burial is at Osbome Memorial cemetery in Joplin Missouri. Pallbearers are Dean Cannon, Walter Sikes, John Murry, Richard Williamson, Wayne Cook, B. J. Joe' LaTurner and Ken Nichols. The Northeast Oklahoma Veterans Detail will observe military graveside rites. Visitation is from 7 to 8 p.m. Monday at Derfelt s Baxter Chapel in Baxter Springs.