John Vernon Williams

JOHN VERNON "PAPU" WILLIAMS John Vernon "Papu" Williams, son of John Thompson and Audrey Nelle Woolsey Williams, was born, December 11, 1921 in Linn Creek, Missouri. He departed this life, Sunday, January 16, 2011, in his home, Camdenton, Missouri at the age of eighty-nine years, one month and five days, surrounded by his family. In 1940 John Vernon was united in marriage to Wanita 'Neat' Winfrey and from this union two children were born. In 1977, he was united in marriage to Mary Lou Mack. Together they shared many happy years. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sons, Don B. Williams and Jimmy Lee Williams; a brother, Bob Williams; a granddaughter, Amelia Jane Tull and brothers-in-law, Lee Mace and Wayne Winfrey. Survivors include his wife, Mary Williams of the home; a sister, Joyce Mace of Osage Beach, Missouri; a brother, Carl Williams and wife Eileen of Kaiser, Missouri; a sister-in-law, Ruby Williams of Kaiser, eight grandchildren, John Williams and wife Tammy of Camdenton, Missouri, Donnie Williams of Linn Creek, Missouri, Michelle Smith of Camdenton, Missouri, Nathan Williams and wife Tiffany of Linn Creek, Missouri, Sara Weber of Linn Creek, Missouri, Wayne Williams of Dallas, Texas and Wendall Williams of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Joe Muscia and wife Patty of Linn Creek, Missouri, two daughters-in-law, Mary Jane Williams of Linn Creek, Missouri and Cheryl Williams of Camdenton, Missouri; numerous great-grandchildren, Jamie Beabout and husband Tony, John Vernon "Jake" Williams, Alley Tull, Jessica Turner, Michael, Ethan and Zack Burton, Trevor Smith, Colton Goldsberry, Cayla and Mason Weber, Cahdee and Bo Williams all of Camdenton, Missouri, Emily and Samuel Williams of Dallas, Texas, one grandbaby on the way and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many, many friends. John Vernon was a life-long resident of Camden County. He served his country proudly in the United States Navy during World War II. During the war he was involved in nine invasions. He was involved in the Battle of Midway, was on the Yorktown CV-5 when it sank and three months later on the Yorktown CV-10 where he served until the war ended and he helped disarm Japan. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, he returned to the lake area and worked for Farmer Chevrolet. He later established his own dealership called Williams Motors. He was an International dealer at first and later was a dealer for Chrysler-Plymouth Dodge. John Vernon enjoyed the simple things life had to offer like spending time on the farm with his dog Penny, working on tractors and other heavy equipment, Sunday lunch with his sister Joyce and most of all spending time with his grandchildren. In his early years he enjoyed a faster pace and loved racing cars. He was very faithful to Lee Mace's Ozark Opry and rarely missed a night of helping Joyce after his brother-in-law's death. He loved to tell stories and compliment others. John was rarely seen without a smile on his face. He often called himself a very rich man as a result of his large and loving family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle and a caring neighbor and friend. He touched many lives throughout the years. His memory will linger on forever in the hearts of his family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, January 19, 2011 in Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home. Burial with military honors will follow in Hugo Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m., Tuesday in the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to Share the Harvest Food Pantry or Blue Moon Sanctuary and left at the funeral home. Allee Holman Howe Funeral Home of Camdenton is assisting the family with arrangements.