John Henry Williams

John Henry Williams, 88, of Columbia, passed away peacefully in his home on May 7, 2024. A celebration of life will take place at a later date at Christian Fellowship Church, 5045 Chapel Hill Road, Columbia, MO 65203 on Saturday, May 25th from 11am-2pm. A private family service will be held in Memorial Park Cemetery, Columbia, MO.

Born in Peach Orchard, Arkansas, on February 26, 1936, John was one of nine children of William Walter and Mary Katherine Clayton Williams. His indomitable spirit, evident from a tender age, propelled him to conquer numerous adversities with unwavering determination, grit, and a quick wit. Despite being withdrawn from school in the third grade to toil in the cotton fields near his home, John's brilliance was recognized by his teachers even at that young age, foreshadowing the success that would mark his later years.

At the age of 16, John enlisted in the United States Army, showing his determination and spirit. His cadre discovered his deception, but they allowed him to stay since he had turned 17 by that time and saw a good soldier in him. He became an Artillery Chief on the 155 Howitzer. His unit was shipped to Korea in December 1954 to support the war effort. In his free time, he used his hunting skills to provide food for his military unit and the local Korean village, showing his selflessness and dedication.

After his enlistment ended, he went to Saint Louis, Missouri, where many of his siblings had already relocated. John found work as an over-the-road trucker, delivering goods from Saint Louis to surrounding communities. On a fateful spring day in 1958, a chance encounter in a music store in Ferguson, MO, would lead him to the love of his life. John, a man of many words, could only think of one when he first saw Patricia Phelan: "Wow." A few days later, a reluctant Patricia agreed to go on a date with John, and by their third date, they were hopelessly in love. John proposed to Patricia on her prom night, and she said yes. The couple was married on July 29, 1958.

The couple soon welcomed three girls, Kathy, Karen, and Kelly. John was a devoted father who cherished his children and would drop everything immediately whenever his children needed him. He also passed on his love of the outdoors and sense of adventure to his children. The family often went fishing and camping at the Current River in Van Buren, MO. In addition to being an avid fisherman and hunter, John also loved to bowl, and he and Patricia were in a bowling league in Ferguson for many years.

After his career as a delivery driver, John became a self-proclaimed Lubrication Engineer at Kribs Ford City until his retirement in 1992. After his retirement, John devoted himself to the role of grandfather and profoundly influenced the lives of his five adoring grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Patricia Williams; daughters Kathy Ashton of Columbia, Karen Williams of St. Louis, and Kelly (Rusty) Glen of McNeal, AZ; grandchildren Anja Ashton (Andrew Eick) of Warrensburg, Kenneth Ashton (Katherine Odom) of Austin, TX, Heather (James) Bockhorst of Florrisant, Michael (Maria) Greulich of Florrisant, and John Greulich of Florrisant; great-grandchildren Josephine Ashton, Steven Bockhorst, Julia Bockhorst, Mia Gruelich, and Michael Gruelich, Jr.; a sister, Barbara Davis of Wentzville; a brother Clovis (Beth) Williams of St. Anne; a sister-in-law, Linda Williams; and many nieces, nephews, and a loving extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Imogene, Jonell, and Lou; brothers, William Williams, Jr., Doug, and Billy; brothers-in-law, Fletcher Davis, Presley "Shorty" Rogers, A.R. Shumate, and Clovis Swaringin; sisters-in-law, Faye Williams and Jean Williams; and son-in-law, George Ashton.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Unchained Melodies Dog Rescue (https://unchainedmelodies.org/donate/) or a charity of your choice.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com