WILLIAMS, DR. SAMUEL W., JR.

WILLIAMS, FRENCH, MOHR

Posted By: Richard Carstensen (email)
Date: 2/9/2003 at 10:14:14

Dr. Samuel Williams 12/16/1999 BETTENDORF -- For 35 years, Sam Williams served others as a physician and a friend. His concern for his fellow man was one of the cornerstones of his life. Services for Dr. Samuel Walter Williams Jr., 64, of Bettendorf, will be Friday at Clinton Lawn Cemetery. At his request, the graveside services will be for family only. Dr. Williams died Tuesday, Dec. 14, 1999, at his home. He was born Sept. 11, 1935, in Clinton, to Samuel Walter and Ellys (French) Williams. He attended Clinton schools and graduated from Clinton High School. He received his bachelor of science degree in pharmacy from Drake University in 1958 and his doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from the College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery, Des Moines, in 1964. He married Nyla Ann Mohr on Feb. 9, 1958, in Preston, Iowa. Sam was active in the Boy Scouts in his youth and achieved the rank of full-decorated Eagle Scout. At that time, he was the youngest person to be given this honor. He also was awarded the highest rank of the Order of Arrow. He began his career as a pharmacist when he and Nyla purchased Streuser Pharmacy, Preston. They ran the pharmacy for two years before Sam began medical school. After receiving his doctorate, Sam became dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery, where he was instrumental in uniting the osteopathic and allopathic professions. He took up family practice and moved to Maquoketa, Iowa, in 1969, where he purchased the practice of Dr. Frederick Swift. He was considered a pioneer in the concept of wellness in preventative medicine. He procured government spending to establish the first satellite clinics in the nation. He also was an advocate of physician extenders, and sponsored one of his nurses to attend the first course available for nurse practitioners. In addition, he was a promoter of increased communication between doctors, patients and hospitals. Sam moved to Orange, Texas, to further his career in the area of emergency medicine. After two years, he moved back to the Quad-Cities to become chief of emergency medicine at Mercy Hospital, Davenport. In 1988, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and retired. The disease and its associated pain caused him to retreat from public life. He sincerely wanted to be remembered as a caring, compassionate and determined man. He was a member of AMA, AAFP, ACEP and the Scott County Medical Society. He also was a member of the local Multiple Sclerosis Chapter. Memorials may be made to Iowa Multiple Sclerosis Society. Survivors include his wife; sons, John and Cliff; daughters, Ann and Pam; and grandchildren, Max, Sam and Megan. He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Ellys; and a brother, Wayne.