Van A. Williams

Van Williams, 86, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2022 at Fowler Health Care.
Van was born at home near Nepesta, Colorado to Henry L and Virgie (Cupp) Williams. He was number seven of eight children. He attended school at Nepesta and Folwer.
On December 18, 1950 he married Joan (Denney) Goodale. They had five children, Nancy, Ronald, Jan, Jay, and Sharol.
Van retired from the State of Colorado but his true love was livestock and rodeo. He shared this love with his children and taught all of them ride and work cattle. Van spent a lot of his leisure time and vacations on horseback. He was a member of the Nepesta Saddle Club and Missouri Day Rodeo Committee.
In 1965 he won the Watermelon Derby at Arkansas Valley Fair. Back then it was a three horse relay race carrying a 22lb watermelon. He furnished goats when his son, Jay was the Stock Contractor for area Little Britches Rodeos.
Van is survived by his wife of 71 years, Joan. Daughters Nancy Williams, Crowley; Jan Dengal, Parker; Sharol Cassidy, Fowler; and Son Jay (Georgia) Williams, Swink. Brother Luther (Rosemary) Williams. Sister Velma Jean Magee and Brother-In-Law Mose Shields. Eleven grand-children, eight great grand-children and one great great grandchild, with two more on the way. Numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by Son Ronald and Grandson Tim Williams; Brother Bud Williams; Sisters Ollie Piper, Catherine Wilson, Velda Carara and Lois Shields.
At his request cremation has taken place. A Memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, family request donations be made to Arkansas Valley Hospice. Bellwood Ford Ustick Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.