MELVIN E. WILLIAMS

Melvin Eugene Williams, 87, of Richmond, MO, went to meet his Savior on Saturday, December 7, 2013 at the North Kansas City Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
Melvin was born on August 17, 1926 in Camden, MO to Robert Emmett and Minnie Jane (Duncan) Williams. He married Ida Margaret Yallaly of Camden, MO on April 17, 1948; she preceded him in death on November 19, 2013.
Additional survivors include three daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Donald Nichols of Richmond, MO, Joy and James Willey of Macks Creek, MO and Deborah and Dale Jones of Gravois Mills, MO; one brother and sister-in-law Bill and Shirley Williams of Richmond; 7 grandchildren and their spouses, Donnetta and Dan McDonald, Shane and Rachel Nichols, Allen and Jessica Willey, Valerie and Philip Hoyle, Elizabeth Jones and her fiancé, Derrick, James Willey, JR., and Heather and Curtis Jones; 13 great-grandchildren, Noah, Nathan, Kennedy, Leighton, Taylor, Bethany, Justin, Chris, Isabella, Colton, Presley, D. J. and Jenny; two great-great grandchildren Benjamin and Aubrey also survive.
In addition to his parents and wife, Melvin was preceded in death by one son, Paul Edward Williams who died in infancy, four brothers Harold, Robert, Roy and Donald "Joe" and two sisters Eva Stratton and Mary Jane King.
Melvin was a gifted carpenter and worked in the Greater Kansas City area his whole life; he was a proud member of the Local Carpenters Union # 315 for over 60 years. He served his country In the United States Army Air Corps during WW II. Melvin was a member of the Fleming Baptist Church which he helped build and was a Deacon, serving his Lord all his life. He lived most of his life in the Richmond and Camden area.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Fleming Baptist Church.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. at the Fleming Baptist Church in Fleming, MO. Visitation will be Monday, December 9, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond. Burial will be in the Cravens Cemetery at Camden, MO, with Military Graveside Honors provided by the Ray County Veterans. Online condolences may be left on our website at www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.