Edwin K. Williams Jr.

68 of Indianapolis departed this life Easter Morning, March 31, 2024, at his home. Ed was born June 21,1955 in Indianapolis to the late Edwin K. and Mary R. (O’Neill) Williams, Sr. He grew up and attended St. Luke’s Catholic School, Northview Middle School and North Central High School. Ed earned his first undergraduate degree from Indiana University majoring in Anthropology and minoring in Italian. He worked as an insurance claims examiner for many years at Mutual Benefit Life and Indianapolis Life Insurance Companies. Ed became a registered nurse in 2006. He earned his degree in nursing from Marian University while working full time and undergoing treatment for Non-Hodgkins’s Lymphoma.

Ed always focused on how he could enrich the lives of others and began many volunteer opportunities including The Society of St. Vincent de Paul helpline, The Cancer Support Community Indiana and Ruth Lilly Hospice when he could no longer work due to his illness. Ed would always say when asked how he was doing “Life is good to me!”

Ed grew up in on the northeast side of Indianapolis where his family home sat next to Marott Park. Ed enjoyed the outdoors and all things natural. His favorite summer job while a student at Indiana University was to mow the grounds of Crown Hill Cemetery. He spent many summers at Gnaw Bone Camp where he served as a cabin leader. His family spent many summers staying with family at Kentucky Lake and at the family cottage in Pennsylvania where he liked to boat and swim. In recent years when health challenges lessened his mobility, Ed took up yoga and lap swimming. He also developed his creative side and enjoyed watercolor painting. His positive approach to life carried him and those who loved him through many years.

In addition to his parents, Ed was also preceded in death by his dear sisters, Melissa Wiles and Kathleen Williams.

Ed is survived by his loving wife of 19 years, Holly McClara; devoted siblings, Kenneth (Diane James) Williams, Peggy (Paul) Gresk and Mary Anne (Brian) Tracy; beloved mother-in-law, Jennola McClara; dear sister-in-law, Shawn (Bill) Teets; his beloved cats, Earl and Estrellita, as well as a host of grateful nieces, nephews and old friends.

A Memorial Mass for Ed will begin at 11 on April 11th at St. Monica Catholic Church (6131 N Michigan Road Indianapolis, IN 46228) Visitation will be from 9-11 at the church.

Memorial contributions in Ed’s name are suggested to Society of St. Vincent de Paul (2500 Churchman Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46203) or to Cats Haven Ltd. (2603 N College Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46205)