Red Williams

Lorenz Cecil "Red" Williams, 75, formerly of Cape Girardeau passed away Saturday, Jan. 26, 2008, at Bruce McCandless Colorado State Veterans Nursing Home in Florence.

He was born May 22, 1932, in Akron, Colo., to Arthur and Irene Wolf Williams.

Red served in the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1955. He was head athletic trainer at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau more than 20 years.

He was a member of National Athletic Trainers Association and was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mo.

Red is survived by his wife of 52 years, Grace Williams of Cape Girardeau; two daughters, Terri Williams of Palmer Lake, Colo., Toni Mills of Cape Girardeau; a son, Tracy Williams of Kimberling City, Mo.; a grandson, Drake Mills of Cape Girardeau; and a brother, Hugh Williams of Fairplay, Colo.

Red was preceded in death by his parents, and a son, Tom Williams.

In lieu of flowers and a service in Colorado, donations are being accepted by the Red Williams Memorial Bird-watching Fund. The fund was established to honor Red's love of birds and the enjoyment they gave him, especially in the later years of his life. There will be a permanent bird feeder and bath built in the courtyard of the facility with a plaque with Red's name for all to enjoy. Please reference "Red Williams Fund" payable to Bruce McCandless Colorado State Veterans Nursing Home (BMCSVHN) Gift Fund, 903 Moore Drive, Florence, Colo., 81226.

A memorial service will be held in Cape Girardeau at a later date.

Cremation handled through Holt Family Funeral Home in Canon City, Colo.