Donald WILLIAMSON

Donald Aubrey Williamson Jan. 23, 1929 ~ Nov. 25, 2010 Resident of Antioch Donald Williamson passed away on November 25, 2010. The Shannon-Williamson family first settled in Antioch, CA in September 1867 and was later granted a homestead, signed by President Ulysses S. Grant, on July 1, 1874. The original home burned in 1895 and was replaced by the present home today. Crops raised on the ranch were wheat, barley, hay and livestock. Donald was a lifelong resident of Antioch, CA. He attended The Lone Tree Grammar School and graduated from Liberty Union High School in Brentwood, CA. He later attended the University of California College of Agriculture at Davis, CA and completed the curriculum in agriculture with a major in animal husbandry June 16, 1949. He enlisted into the Navy during January 1951 and served on the on the USS Hornbill. After receiving his honorable discharge Donald returned home to the ranch to work the farm. Donald had many interests. He was an avid reader, sportsman, conservationist and a wine and beer maker. His wines won many awards. One of Donald's proudest achievements was saving the ranch. After many tireless hours of work and frustration he was able to preserve the ranch by having it placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior. If you ever had the privilege of meeting Donald you would have never forgotten him. He was genuine and a true friend, one of a kind and he will be missed by all that have known and loved him. Donald was preceded in death by his parents Aubrey & Naomi Williamson and his sister Shirley Perry. Funeral services will be held on December 6, 2010 at 10am at the Higgins Mortuary located on 1310 A Street, Antioch, CA (925-757-4343).