Dr. Donald L. Williams, 76, passed away October 11, 2024, surrounded by family at his home in Great Bend, Kansas. He was born in Pomona, California, on April 8, 1948, to Leo and Eva (Avery) Williams. Don grew up on a dairy farm with a close family, including siblings, Nancy, Gary, and twin brother David who was younger by five minutes. During Don’s second grade year, the family moved from southern California to Montrose, Colorado.
Don was a devout Christian and held many leadership roles in the church. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Lyons and Grace Community Church in Great Bend. He was a member of the board of education for both USD 405 and USD 428. He belonged to many bridge clubs, enjoyed pheasant hunting, gardening, and attending the Kansas State Fair. An artist at heart, he was a poet with a gift for singing and he sang in quartets and the church choir. Above all else, he loved his family and enjoyed spending time supporting their pursuits. He was especially proud to be able to cheer on his many grandchildren in their activities.
A lifetime learner, after graduating from Montrose High School, Don continued his education by receiving an undergraduate degree in biology from Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina. It was during his time there that he married his highschool sweetheart, Janice Schell, on June 9, 1968. He later completed a master’s degree in biology from Western State University in Colorado and a doctorate degree in education from Ball State University in Indiana. Don’s teaching career began with teaching in Hanston, before moving onto Lyons High School where he taught biology and coached wrestling. In 1988, Don became a professor of Biology at Sterling College and then later at Park University in Parkville, Missouri. Don was also well-known as a driver’s education instructor, teaching many generations of family and students to be conscientious drivers. Indeed, Don formed valuable and life long relationships with many of his students who affectionately nicknamed him “Boots”.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Janice; children, Pamela Williams of Hoisington, Dr. Ryan Williams and wife Sara of Great Bend, Sarah Williams and partner Dameon Walker of Manhattan, New York, and Amy Williams of Great Bend; eight grandchildren, Liyu Debela and husband Abraham of Duluth, Georgia, Tarikua Williams of Fort Worth, Texas, Mary Hohlt and husband Dylan of Somerville, Texas, Michael Williams of Fort Worth, Texas, Sean Williams and fiancé Megan Kappleman of Salina, Malachi Williams of Manhattan, Kansas, Ruth Williams of Phoenix, Arizona, and Matthew Williams of Great Bend; five great grandchildren with another on the way; brothers, Gary Williams of Montrose, Colorado, and David Williams and wife Valeita of Lawrence; and numerous nieces, nephews, and loved ones.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and his sister Nancy Weese.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be from noon to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 16, 2024, with family receiving guests from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorial service will take place at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, October 17, 2024, at Grace Community Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been designated to Sterling College or Star of Hope, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530.