Earlon Williams

Earlon attended the public schools in Sacul and Cushing, Texas, where he graduated Valedictorian of his Senior Class, 1947. He attended Stephen F. Austin State University where he earned a BA in Library Science. After graduating he was drafted into the U. S. Army where he served two years and was honorably discharged as a Corporal. After his military service, he was Librarian of the Livingston High School, Livingston, Texas. In 1955 he became Librarian of the West Columbia Jr.-Sr. High School. He worked in that District for the next 12 years in the High School of the West Columbia-Brazoria ISD. In 1968 he became a charter faculty member of Angelina College, Lufkin, Texas where he was the Director of Library until he retired in 1992. He earned a Master of Education Degree from Stephen F. Austin State University, and a Master of Audio Technology from East Texas University.

In August, 1956, he married Sarah Elizabeth (SarahBeth) Fowler. They attended the West Columbia Methodist Church where they were co-sponsors of the MYF. In Lufkin he was a member of the Congregational Methodist Church serving with Sarah as co-sponsors of the CMYF. They transferred their membership to the First United Methodist Church where he was an active member until his death. He served as co-chair of the Evangelism Commission with his wife Sarah, was Sunday School Superintendent, member of various commissions and Committees including the Administrative Board, the Pastor/Parrish Relations Committee, the Education Committee and the Library Committee. He was a member of the Chancel Choir and a member of the Fellowship Class and attended the Traditional Services.

Earlon was active in the District Library Association and the District Teachers Association, serving as President of the District TEA. He was an avid photographer and after retirement, he became active in the Angelina Photography Association where he served in various official positions. He always had photographs hanging in the Museum of East Texas when the APA had a showing. He was also active in the Nacogdoches Photography Association and the Nacogdoches Art League as well as the Lufkin Art League, entering the yearly shows of each Club. He was an active member of the Jaycees in West Columbia and a member of the Lufkin Kiwanis Club, serving in various positions. In 1992 he became a Charter member of the Senior Kiwanis Club where he served as President several times.

One of his greatest joys was being a member of the WEGS (Wednesday Eating Group) made up of retired faculty members of Angelina College and their spouses.

He was extremely proud of his family: his three daughters and five grandchildren, their spouses, and one great-grandchild. Together he and his wife enjoyed Camp Grandma and Grandpa almost every summer after his grandchildren came along. He and his wife travelled extensively after his retirement. It was his privilege to see to it that all three daughters earned a college degree and encouraged his grandchildren to earn a higher degree after graduation from public schools.

Earlon is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sarah Elizabeth; and his three daughters and their husbands: Dr. Elizabeth Ann (Betsy) and Travis Robinson, Beverly Kay and C. Scott Rohm, and Lelia Lee and Douglas Lee Dilday. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Drs. Zachery W. and Charlene Rohm, Jetta Elizabeth and Erich (Rico) Schenck, Jordan Elizabeth and Bob Gray, Claire Alexandra Dilday, and Caroline Olivia Dilday. His pride and joy came along on the day before their 59th anniversary, River Sage Gray, his only great-granddaughter. He is survived by one sister, Ida Charlsey Williams Perry, one Sister-in-law, Vivian Caver Williams, both of Cushing, brothers-in-law, Dr. Wilton Rice and wife Rev. Edna Carolyn Ward Fowler of Hurst, Texas, Lenard Sowell of Nacogdoches, and Wylie McLain, of Arlo, Texas. He is also survived by 9 nephews and 8 nieces and their spouses and children. He leaves behind a host of friends, cousins, and co-workers.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law, Wilton Rice and Nina Lee Peacock Fowler; his sisters and their husbands, Vallis Williams and Henry Mason, Melba Williams and Morris Ray “Hossy” Overall; brother, Loren Delton “Johnny” Williams; and brother-in-law, Lester Perry. He was also preceded in death by sisters-in-law, Evelyn Jo Fowler Sowell, Nina Faye Fowler McLain; and bother-in-law, Bobby Lee Fowler.

Private burial service will be held in the McKnight Cemetery near Cushing, Texas, with a memorial service at 1:30 p.m. Friday, April 7, 2017 at Lufkin’s First United Methodist Church, with Reverend Dr. Jerome Brimmage officiating. Visitation will be in the Allen Parlor following the memorial service.

Honorary pallbearers will be: Sons-in-law: Douglas Dilday, C. Scott Rohm, and Travis Robinson; Nephews: Herman Perry, Joe Perry, Wayne Overall, Michael Sword, Joe Sowell and Dr. Steve Fowler.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Lufkin’s First United Methodist Church805 E. Denman Avenue, Lufkin, TX 75901; or the Angelina College Scholarship Fund, P. O. Box 1768, Lufkin, TX 75902.

Condolences may be offered at www.gipsonfuneralhome.com

Services have been placed in the trust of Gipson Funeral Home.