Steve Williams

Steve leaves behind his wife, Courtney, and four daughters: Jessica (Joe) Vessell, Jacquelyn, Jennifer and Jillian, plus his beloved first grandchild, 6-month old Adrian Stephen Vessell. Steve also leaves his mother, Louise, and brother, Dr. Brian Williams. His father, Don Williams, preceded Steve in death with his passing in 2008.

Steve was born September 9th, 1955 in Kansas City, MO. He graduated from Rockhurst High School in 1973 and from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1977 with a degree in Economics. After working 15 years in the banking industry, Steve went on to own his own business: W.G. Samuels Commercial Flooring, now Regents Flooring.

Steve's love of the sun could always be seen in his endless tan complexion. Along with being tall, dark and handsome, he was a very talented athlete. He had a great love for all sports. It was through a competitive volleyball league where Steve met his wife of 32 years, Courtney. Truth be told, Courtney always said "It was love at first spike". He had a very good vertical jump and was a virtual wall when it came to blocking. Along with his brother Brian, also a talented athlete and volleyball player, they played in area leagues for years and would form co-ed teams and travel to compete in many, many weekend tournaments –most often with a winning record.

Steve and Courtney married on November 23, 1983 and welcomed four beautiful daughters into the world from 1985 to 1991. They took great pride in watching their girls grow into successful young women. Volleyball continued to be a family sport ---the 3 youngest daughters went on to receive college volleyball scholarships, while Jessica the oldest majored in and became an architect currently living in Brooklyn, New York with her also architect husband, Joseph, and as of last August Steve and Courtney’s first grandchild a BOY.

Steve shared his love of travel with his family, as he took Courtney and the girls on countless memorable vacations. Being the numbers guy he was, like his father, he could spend hours talking and handicapping horses as he and his dad would do together. As the years passed, he enjoyed spending time with his buddies at the Horse Tracks around the country. A favorite hobby was fantasy sport leagues- mainly football and golf too! He had a passion for and truly enjoyed working out at the gym, sometimes 5 days a week.

During this last year, Steve sold his successful business and dedicated himself to fighting this disease and spending quality time with his friends and family- taking vacations to Texas, Alaska and Florida.

And although we know Steve was taken too soon, he was granted a peaceful death surrounded by many, many tears and prayers; he will now be in God’s arms instead of ours and for that we are truly thankful.

Jesus we trust in You!

All services will be held at Cure of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Rd, Leawood, KS 66206. Visitation will be held Monday, February 29th, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. where the Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held the next day, Tuesday, March 1st at 10:00 a.m. with burial immediately following in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Raytown, Mo. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to Kansans for Life, 7808 Foster, Overland Park, KS 66204.

Online condolences may be left at www.mcgilleystatelinechapel.com. Arrangements: McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Rd., Kansas City, MO 64145. (816) 942-6180.