Roger Williams
Age 93, died peacefully surrounded by his family on April 15, 2009 in Ellisville, MO. Mr. Williams was born and raised in Wymore, NE. He was stationed in the Philippines with the Navy in WWII. He entered the Masonic Order in 1948 and was a proud Shriner, serving two terms as President of the IL Central Shrine Club in Chicago. His entire career was spent in the railroad industry in Chicago and St. Louis, and he retired as sales manager for Precision National in Mt. Vernon, IL.
Mr. Williams was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was preceded in death by his wife, M. Marie (nee Pingleton) and daughter, Kathryn Ishler. He will be greatly missed by his daughter, Kimberley Ellis, granddaughters, Stephanie (Michael) Estwanick and Melissa Eisenhoffer all of Ballwin, MO and Karen (Kevin) Van Why of Wilkes-Barre, PA and great grandsons, Maxx Eisenhoffer and Jackson Estwanick, and great granddaughter Rebecca Lattig of North Catasauqua, PA.
He took great pride in his Welsh heritage and kept his extended Welsh family in close contact through his creation of genealogical records and annual compilations of family letters. His great love of the open road led to the purchase of many cars and RVs that allowed him and Marie (and often their granddaughters) to travel all over North America making friends wherever they went. He rode Harleys in his youth (when they looked like bicycles with engines), was a lifelong car racing fan (attending his first Indy 500 in the 30’s), was always a master tinkerer and became a great builder of tree houses for his grandchildren.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Bethesda Meadow where he was treated with much love, respect, and dignity for many years.
Kim,
We are keeping you and your family in our prayers.
Love,
David & Debbie
Roger was an amazing man. The Jones Family has been so blessed by his love and initiative in starting the Jones Family Christmas Book! And it’s a testimony that the treasure of creating the Annual Jones Family Book is still in their family with Roger’s granddaughter, Stephanie Estwanick, still creating the treasure for all the extended family to be blessed by year after year. All of the Jones Family has fond memories of Roger not only in regards to the Jones Christmas Book, but as an active family member in the Family Reunions, which occurred (& still do) every three years. We look forward to seeing many of you this summer in TX at the Reunion and will celebrate his life together – as family!
He will be greatly missed. Our hearts and prayers are with you all as you grieve. His memory and legacy live on!!
Much love, The Nelsons
I believe Amy’s grandmother was first cousins with Roger Williams.
I wish Kim, Lisa, Stephanie and their families peace and love as they mourn the passing of this wonderful man.
My heartfelt sympathy to Kim, Stephanie, Melissa and family on the passing of your loved one. I pray for your strenght and comfort now and days to come.
Kim, I so enjoyed the slide show. Seeing some of those old photos brought great memories of times spent with your Mom and Dad in Homewood when we were in high school. I’m glad I was able to spend some time with your family when you were here for the Jones family reunion. That was a day I will never forget. Your Dad was a very special man.