Clarence E. Williams Print

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White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644


Oelwein – Clarence E. Williams, 89 years old, of Oelwein, Iowa, formerly of rural Walker, Iowa, died on Friday, May 15, 2020, at his home.  He was born on August 5, 1930, in Homer Township of Buchanan County, Iowa, the son of Earl Marvin and Lillian Kathryn (McCright) Williams.  He attended the Buchanan County country school.  Mr. Williams farmed all of his life.  He retired in October of 1998.  On December 25, 1949, he and the former Dorris Evelyn Gericke were married in Walker, Iowa.  She preceded him in death in 1992.  On October 18, 1997, he and the former Adele Esch were married at Zion Lutheran Church in Oelwein, Iowa.  She preceded him in death in 2013.  On April 30, 2014, he and the former Gwenith Verle Vandersee were married at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa.

Mr. Williams always had time to enjoy nature.  He also enjoyed visiting with family and friends.  He attended St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Maynard, Iowa.

Mr. Williams is survived by his wife, Gwen, 2 daughters, Susan (David) Kroeker of Audubon, Iowa and Bonnie Burlingame of Cedar Rapids, 1 son, Daniel (Debbie) Williams of Walker, 7 step children, Dick Gosse, Sheryl Gosse, Vernon Vandersee, Barb Lowe, Elaine Gallagher, Ruth Wenger, and Paul Vandersee, 8 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wives, Dorris and Adele, he was preceded in death by his parents, 1 great granddaughter, Angel Marie Beck, 2 brothers, Lloyd Williams and Lynn Williams, 2 sisters -in-law, Betty Williams and Audrey Williams, 2 sons-in-law, Oral Beck and Duane Burlingame, and 1 step son-in-law, Mike Gallagher.

Due to concerns for everyone’s safety because of the COVID-19 pandemic, private visitation and grave side services will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2020.  Mr. Williams will be buried in Walker Cemetery in Walker, Iowa.  Pastor Dennis Frank will officiate.  The family requests memorials be sent to Unity Point Hospice at 3731 University Ave., Waterloo, Iowa  50701. White Funeral Home of Independence is in charge of arrangements.