Thomas Owen “Tom” Williams, 91, North Manchester, formerly of Dunlap, Illinois, changed his address from Earth to Heaven on Sunday, December 3, 2023. Our sweet, loving husband, dad, grandfather, and great-grandfather is in the arms of Jesus now. He was born May 10, 1932, in Youngstown, Ohio, to Thomas O. and Sophia Anne (Kucera) Williams.
After graduating from Madison Memorial High School in Madison, Ohio, in 1950, Tom enlisted in the United States Army in 1955, where he proudly served in the Signal Corp after WWII. He was eventually honorably discharged and enrolled in Fenn College, now known as Cleveland State University, where he earned his electrical engineering and bachelor degrees. He was gifted with solving issues related to machines and engines when no one else could. Tom was sent all over the world to use these special skills while working for Republic Steel Corporation in Cleveland, Ohio, for ten years and for Caterpillar Tractor Company for thirty-two years and held many patents with both companies.
On January 19, 1962, Tom married the love of his life, Roberta Margot Jansen. For the next sixty-one years, Tom was an incredible husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved with a kind and tender heart but could also be firm when needed. His life was centered around his family and his faith. Tom was active at Bethany Baptist Church for over fifty years in Peoria, Illinois, teaching Sunday School, working with Christian Service Brigade, and serving on the Board of Peoria Christian School. When Tom found spare time, he enjoyed repairing antique clocks and radios and camping with family and friends. He was a member of the Illinois Valley Antique Automobile Club in Peoria, Illinois, and PinMar Antique Automobile Club of Florida. During his younger years, Tom sang in a barbershop quartet.
The loving memory of Thomas Owen Williams will be forever cherished by his wife, Roberta Williams, North Manchester; children, David (Cindy) Williams, Warsaw, Carol (Bill) Collett, North Manchester, and Douglas (Annette) Williams, Peoria, Illinois; grandchildren, Lindsay (Matt) Nafziger, Kelly (Trae) Furnivall, McKenzie Williams, Hannah Williams, Michael Williams, Schuyler (Whitney) Collett, Amy Collett, Hayleigh (Brady) Franklin, Bethany (Kyle) Stroud, Braden Williams, Lydia (Justus) Askren, and Larissa Williams; and eight great-grandchildren with the ninth due in March 2024. Tom was preceded in death by his parents.
Family and friends may call Saturday, December 9, 2023, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, Indiana. A graveside service will take place at the end of calling at Fairview Cemetery, Servia, Indiana.
For those who wish to honor the memory of Thomas “Tom” Williams, memorial contributions may be made to Malawi Mission, c/o First Brethren Church, 407 North Sycamore Street, North Manchester, Indiana 46962.
The family of Thomas Williams has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.
Condolences may be emailed to mckeemortuary.com