Paul Emerson Williams

Paul Emerson Williams, 85, of Kirkwood, died 10am March 10 in his home with his loving family by his side.

He was born on February 20, 1931 at Graham Hospital in Canton, IL. to Gilford and Alma (Kemper) Williams, of  Fairview, IL.

He was welcomed by four sisters Francis Lewis, Vivan Martin, Leona Wilson, Mariel Williams, a younger brother David, and a niece Diane joined him later.  

The family moved to a home North of the Providence Chapel in rural Fairview, IL., where he Graduated in 1949 from VIT in Astoria, IL. 

   He enlisted in the United States Army in 1951 where he was trained as an automotive mechanic.  He was stationed in Eschwege, Germany and also served in Korea during the war.  He was Honorably discharged  Feb 17, 1954 at Fort Sheridan in Illinois.

  When he returned home he worked at his father's gas station, Williams Service, in Kirkwood, IL. as a mechanic in the garage. Later, Paul became the owner of the station.

   He met Alice Joan Hinton, daughter of Curtis and Alice(Risk) Hinton when she was delivering  newspapers. They were married June 12,1955 at the Westminster UP Church in Kirkwood, IL.   They celebrated their 60th anniversary in June 2015,  with their family and friends.

    In 1967 Paul started  working at  IAAP, Mason & Hanger, Silas Mason Co., Inc., in Middletown, IA. as a mechanic. He retired April 14, 1994.

   He is survived by his wife, four sons Roger and Leta (Hearne) of Peoria, Glen of Kirkwood, Richard  of Monmouth, Daniel and Julie (Fillman) of Galesburg and one daughter, Mitzi and Jeff Sharer of Little York.  Nine grand children and two great granddaughters.   Megan Sharer (Aubrie and Lexi Clegg) of Little York, Brooke Sharer of Davenport, IA., and Brandon Sharer of Little York;  Jacob, Makenzie and Kalie Williams of Galesburg; and Nathan, Zachary and Rachel Williams of Monmouth and numerous nieces and nephews.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

  He became a Mason by joining the A Lincoln Lodge 519 AF & AM in 1974.  He had served as a Past Master, and also as Secretary for eight years.

      He enjoyed camping and fishing mostly on the Mississippi River. He was hired to serve as Camp Host at the Keithsburg City Campground.  He held that position for many years. He was an avid  Chicago Bears fan. He was also very instrumental in helping his children with home improvements.

       He was proceeded in death by his parents, sisters, brother, and daughter-in-law, Tracey (Skees) Williams.  

Memorial Services will be Monday March 14, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. at the Wise Family – Hoover Hall Funeral Home Monmouth, IL, with Masonic Services at 10:00 a.m.  Visitation will be 10:30 a.m. until hour of service.  Cremation rites have been accorded burial will be at a later date.  Memorials may be made to the Monmouth Roseville Education Foundation/ Tracey Williams Scholarship.  Please sign the online guestbook at www.wisefamily-hooverhall.com.  Wise Family ~ Hoover Hall Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements