Russell Williams

Russell L. Williams, age 84 of Eustis passed away on November 14, 2016.

He was born on December 12, 1931 to Clyde Charles and Maude “Daisy” (Garvin) Williams in Ingham, Nebraska. He was the youngest of ten children. After his mother’s illness took her life in 1935, Russ went to live with and was raised by his sister, Virginia and her husband Jay Rice. He attended Lone Star Country School south of Farnam and was a 1949 graduate of Farnam High School. Russ served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He was a firefighter upon the U.S.S. Essex, although he never knew how to swim. After being honorably discharged in 1955, he came back to farm. Russ married Charlot Davis on April 28, 1956. From this marriage, three children were born: Lyanne, Bradley, and Carolyn. Russ and Charlot moved to Eustis in 2010, but he continued farming until his health would no longer allow. He was a lifelong member of the Nazarene Church in Farnam. He was a member of the Eustis school board for many years. He was a 57 year member of the American Legion Post 288 and Farnam VFW. He enjoyed life on the farm, watching his children and grandchildren’s sporting events, and gathering with neighbors. He loved coffee and Turtles candy bars. He was a devoted father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, and his genuine smile and contagious laugh will be missed dearly by his family and friends.

Russ is survived by his wife of 60 years, Charlot; children, Lyanne Weissert and husband Scott of Elwood, Brad Williams and wife Lisa of Eustis, and Carolyn Hovendick and husband Steve of Beatrice; grandchildren, Mark and wife Katy Weissert, Mason Weissert, Molly Weissert and fiancé Casey Zimmerman, Derek and wife Morgan Williams, Darin Williams, Ansley Williams, Bladen Williams, Samantha and husband Nick Thompson, Carly Hovendick, and Heath Hovendick; great granddaughters, Lakyn and Oakley Weissert; sisters-in-law Jeweldine and husband Orville Gaibler, Evelyn Davis, and Jean Williams; many nieces and nephews, and a host of extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; 5 brothers; 4 sisters, and several other extended family members.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 18, 2016 at the United Methodist Church in Farnam with Greg Boller officiating.

Interment will be at the Farnam Cemetery. Military honors will be presented by the U.S. Navy and the Farnam VFW Guard.

Visitation will be held on Thursday from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel in Gothenburg with the family greeting relatives and guests from 5:00  to 7:00 PM, and in state at the church one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Farnam American Legion, Church of the Nazarene in Farnam, and the Elwood Care Center.