ARTHUR WILLIAMS

Arthur Franklin Williams, 90, of Cape Girardeau and formerly of Crump, Mo., passed away Thursday, Oct. 5, 2000, at Southeast Missouri Hospital, following a recent stroke.

He was born Jan. 9, 1910, in Crump, oldest son of Oliver Monroe and Helen Huffman Williams. He and Alma Genese Proffer were married May 2, 1941. She preceded him in death in August 1993.

Williams retired from a lifetime of work in residential construction in 1972, having built homes for families throughout the Cape Girardeau County area.

He was a lifelong member of Bethlehem General Baptist Church in Crump, where he served in various capacities. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of Barks Chapel Fund.

In December 1935, Williams joined Whitewater Lodge #417 AF&AM, and on Feb. 28, 1936, became a Master Mason. He received his 50-year pin Feb. 28, 1986, and was a 65-year member at the time of his passing.

Since moving from the Crump community to live with his daughter and her family in 1993, Mr. Williams spent weekday mornings at Cape Girardeau Senior Center, taking part in center activities.

Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Pat and Bill Heckert of Cape Girardeau; a grandson, Justin William Heckert of Columbia, Mo.; two brothers, A.A. "Toots" Williams and James Weldon Williams, both of Jackson, Mo.

He is also survived by three stepbrothers and two stepsisters, as well as a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son, and a brother, Oliver A. Williams.

Friends may call at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson today from 4-8 p.m. Masonic rites will begin at 7.

Funeral service will be held Saturday at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson at 1 p.m. The Rev. Joe Allen, pastor of Bethlehem General Baptist Church, will officiate, along with the Rev. Willis Smith of Poplar Bluff, Mo., and the Rev. Mike Huffman of First General Baptist Church in Jackson. Burial will be in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.