Dean Williams

ANNA, Ill. -- Dean Williams, 78, of Anna died Saturday, Aug. 27, 2011, at Life Care Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Nov. 6, 1932, in Union County, son of Lee and Jewell Williams. He and Dorothy Yvonne Lacy were married Dec. 25, 1952, in Carbondale, Ill.

Dean is survived by a daughter, Tracey Williams Boyd (Jay) of Anna; two sons, Todd Williams (Marla) of Anna, Scott Williams (Penny) of Cape Girardeau; a sister, Carol Lee Williams of Cape Girardeau; three grandchildren, Chloe, Julia and Nicholas Williams; other relatives; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Williams; and parents, R. Lee and Jewell Williams.

Dean was baptized at First Christian Church in Anna. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Anna.

He was a 1950 graduate of Anna-Jonesboro Community High School.

Dean served his country in the U.S. Air Force after high school. He was stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas; Chanute Air Force Base, Illinois; and bases in Little Rock, Ark., and Tampa, Fla. He was a recipient of the National Defense Service Medal and his rank at discharge was airman first class.

After the military, he returned to Anna and attended Southeast Missouri State University. He worked as a meter reader for Texas Eastern and was owner/operator of Williams Shell Service many years. He later worked for Illinois Department of Transportation, retiring in 1998.

Dean served his community as an active member of Kiwanis and Civil Defense. He also served as a deputy sheriff, a member of Anna District 37 school board and as a commissioner on Anna City Council.

He was a dog lover and over the years regularly donated handcrafted wood items for the annual PAWS Artists for Animals Auction.

Dean greatly enjoyed fishing, gardening, woodworking and spending time with family, friends and his constant faithful companion who rarely left his side in the past five years, his dog Maddie. He will be dearly missed and warmly remembered by everyone who knew him.

Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Crain Funeral Home in Anna.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Randy Carstens and Dean's son, Todd Williams, officiating. Interment will be in Anna Cemetery, with military honors by Carroll P. Foster VFW Post 3455, and flag presentation by the National Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

To leave online condolences visit www.crainsonline.com.