DAVID EDWARD WILLIAMS AUG. 8, 1939 – OCT. 27, 2018
David Edward Williams, 79, died Oct. 27, 2018 in Idaho Falls, Idaho.
He was born Aug. 8, 1939 in Yoncalla, Ore. He was the son of the late Edward and Mabel Pearce Williams. Directions to his childhood home were: drive seven miles out of town to the end of the county road, then drive five more miles, then walk one mile. When Dave started school, his family moved to the end of that county road so he could ride the bus. After graduating from Yoncalla High School he served three years in the Navy.
On Sept. 1, 1961 he married Jeannie Alexis Morris, his wife of 57 years.
He graduated from Oregon Technical Institute in 1963, worked for the Federal Highway Administration from 1963 to 1975, then for the Forest Service 1975 to 1988. After retiring from the Forest Service, he worked a variety of part-time jobs until he was 75 years old; his favorite by far was with the Forest Service fighting wildland fires until he was 65 years old. He also led a crew in Texas in 2003 cleaning up after the Space Shuttle Columbia accident.
He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where he served in three Bishoprics as well as many other callings over the years. He spent many years working with young men in the Boy Scouts of America as Scoutmaster and other positions. He helped more than 20 boys build bridges, shelters and improve trails in the Umpqua National Forest to earn their Eagle Scout award. For this service he earned national recognition and an award.
Dave is survived by his wife of Shelley, Idaho; son Trent Williams of Utah; daughter Tristin Judy & Dell Judy of Shelley, Idaho; daughter Tiffanie Williams & Joe Simons of Cottage Grove; brother George Williams of Oregon; 18 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his daughter Travis Smith and sisters Bobbie Doran and Sharon Williams.
Dave touched many lives and left a great legacy for his posterity.
Funeral services are being arranged by Nalder Funeral Home in Shelley, Idaho. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.nalderfuneralhome.com.
