Albert Forrest Williams (1862 - 1938)

WILLIAMS, OVERBY, HENDERSON, DEITRICK, PROUDFOOT, PORTER, MERRILL, PAUL, SADDORIS

Posted By: Karen Brewer (email)
Date: 11/4/2021 at 10:57:24

The Osceola Tribune, Osceola, Iowa
March 29, 1938, Page 2

Obituary

A. F. Williams

Albert Forrest Williams (better known as Ab), eldest son of Mark and Martha Overby Williams, was born in Warren county, Iowa, February 8, 1862, and departed this life at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Iva L. Henderson in Osceola, March 21, 1938, at the age of 76 years, 1 month and 13 days.

The loss of his devoted mother when he was twelve years of age made it necessary for him to bear a greater share of the family burden and taught him to accept responsibility with self reliance and determination, for which qualities he was always known and respected.

On March 5, 1885 he was united in marriage with Lillie Ann Deitrick, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Deitrick, pioneers of Fremont township, Clarke county and a new home was established, into which were born six children, three sons and three daughters, all of whom are living, and present at their father's last rites. They are left to mourn the loss of a true, loving and considerate father, from whom on many important matters they have received valued counsel and advice. He was always interested in his children, their families and friends, and nothing pleased him more than to have them come to see him.

The children are: Mrs. Iva L. Henderson, George E. Williams, Mrs. Florence E. Proudfoot, all of Osceola; Miss Agnes L. Williams of Des Moines; Lon and Raymond, who with their families live in Chicago. The two daughters-in-law from Chicago were also present for the funeral services.

The following eleven grandchildren will miss their Grandpa, whom they all loved very much; Mrs. Roberta Proudfoot Porter of Truro, Maurice, Merrill, Ruth and Max Proudfoot, of Osceola; Lon Albert, Robert Wayne and John Roger, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Lon Williams, Ronald Raymond, Richard Forrest and Lawrence John, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond (Dick) Williams, all of Chicago. Also one great grand daughter, Margaret Ellenor Porter of Truro.

He leaves two brothers; Ed Williams of Osceola and Clark of Des Moines. Two sisters preceded him in death some years ago. They were Mrs. Maggie Paul and Mrs. Arthilla Saddoris.

For nearly fifty years he and his beloved wife lived in various neighborhoods surrounding Osceola, and in the city, where they established a host of sincere and lasting friendships. These friends and neighbors will all miss his friendly greeting and his ever jovial personality.

In his early years he was a member of the Fremont M. P. church, where he was in regular attendance, always active in the work of the church, and a member of the choir. Later the family church activities were removed to the Frame church in Washington township. Although not active in church affairs in later years, he always maintained an interest in it's work. He lived a good and useful life, was a devoted husband and father, and a helpful neighbor. One of his outstanding qualifications were his ability to make real friends among all ages, and to find enjoyment in seeing others happy. He never complained, though he suffered much physical pain, and keen disappointment, among the greatest of which was the loss of his life-long companion in September 1934. He was a constant and careful reader and kept up with current affairs, and loved to discuss them.

During the last years he lived with his daughter, where his death occurred, never content to sit down and be waited upon, but always eager to help with any task at hand. A few weeks ago he suffered a severe attack of the flu, which apparently left his heart in a weakened condition, and this is believed to have been the cause of his death. His going, though sudden, and a severe shock to those he left, was as he had often expressed, his choice whenever his time should come to leave his loved ones. Always himself a good hand in sickness of others he had ever hoped to avoid being a care of anyone in his last years. God has fulfilled this desire. Funeral services were conducted by the Reverend F. C. McCallon at the Christian church in Osceola, Thursday, March 24, 1938, at two o'clock p. m. and his body will lie at rest in Maple Hill beside his beloved life companion.

Card of Thanks

We are deeply grateful to the neighbors and friends for the many acts of kindness, expressions of sympathy and floral offerings on the occasion of the death and funeral of our father.

The Williams Children.