Don W. Williams

1924 - 2019

Don W. Williams obituary, 1924-2019, Bradenton, FL

Don Williams Obituary

Williams, Don W.
August 11, 1924 - March 9, 2019
Don Wallace Williams, 94, was born on August 11, 1924 in Appleton City, Missouri. He entered military service in February of 1943 and served in the 232nd Infantry Regiment of the 42nd (Rainbow) Infantry Division in France, Germany, and Austria. His division is credited with the liberation of the Dachau Concentration Camp. He was awarded the Bronze Star and the Combat Infantry Badge for his service. After the war he attended Oklahoma State University and received degrees in Architecture, Structural Engineering, and Art. He obtained his architectural license in 1953. He worked for Firestone Tire designing stores and warehouses and for private architectural firms in Akron, Ohio before becoming a partner in private architectural practice. He became involved in the design of complex fabric structures and moved to Florida in 1965 as head of a firm specializing in military contracts. In 1968 he founded his own company, Orion Corporation, designing, building, and marketing inflatable, tension, and geodesic fabric structures for both commercial and military applications. He was granted Architect Emeritus status from the state of Ohio in 2008. He served as president of the Bayfront Optimist Club of Sarasota. He was a musician, playing piano with a number of well-known bands and cotemporary groups for many years in the Sarasota area. In 2008 he became associated with the Take Stock in Children program, serving as a mentor at Nolan Middle School, and later at Lakewood Ranch High School. He was a member of Woodland Community Baptist Church of Bradenton, FL. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Carol, and his children; Christopher, Nancy, Don, Michael, and David. Interment will be at Sarasota National Cemetery.
There will be a Celebration of Life at Woodland Community Baptist Church on 9607 E. Highway 70 in Bradenton on Friday, March 15 at 10:00AM. Please visit www.toalebrothers.com to leave a condolence message.

Published by Herald Tribune from Mar. 12 to Mar. 13, 2019.
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Memories and Condolences
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Sponsored by Toale Brothers Funeral Home & Crematory - Bradenton Chapel.

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Don was such a lovely gentleman! I had the pleasure of knowing Don for the years he mentored with Take Stock in Children. Such a blessing he was to so many! Jane Young

Jane Young

March 7, 2021

Dear Dad-e-o: Thanks so much for raising us the way you did. In all those years I never heard you complain, except maybe one time ... "You kids! Back in my day jelly was use as a little flavoring, but you kids treat it like a food group!" You instilled in us all the ability to think for ourselves, to never just believe what someone else says - especially if they were on TV! You were always so patient at explaining things, but you ultimately allowed us to grow up and make our own choices. I hardly ever knew your advice to be wrong, except maybe one time. Dad-e-o, sorry to say, but jelly really IS a food group! Love you so very much, miss you terribly, and will think of you daily. Your loving son, Donny.

March 22, 2019

Don Michael Williams

March 22, 2019

Don Michael Williams

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Don Michael Williams

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Don Michael Williams

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Don Michael Williams

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Don Michael Williams

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Don Michael Williams

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Don Michael Williams

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David Williams

March 20, 2019

Dad will be laid to rest tomorrow, the 21st of March, 2019, with military honors, at the Sarasota National Cemetery, at 10:00 AM. All are welcome to attend and we look forward to seeing anyone there that can make it:

https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/sarasota.asp

Sincerely, David Williams

David Williams

March 20, 2019

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To the Williams family- May my condolences bring you comfort and may my prayers ease the pain of your loss.

Cindy Underwood

March 15, 2019

Don,
It was 10 years ago I first met you Don. I was the student advocate that did the mentor match with you and Colby. You always had a smile on your face and heart filled with love. Each week you would arrive at Nolan middle school or lakewood Ranch high school to see young Colby. You always had a buttoned down shirt, sweater cardigan, dress pants and your briefcase in hand! You were there for Colby to help this young boy fulfill his hopes and dreams and that he did! Colby is one lucky young man who will soon be graduating from college. You will be smiling down at him. Along the way we had the pleasure of meeting your beautiful wife, Carole. She often attended the many TSIC functions. Rest In Peace Don. You made this world a brighter place.

Jane Young

March 14, 2019

Don was a very dear friend and role model for me growing up. He always knew how to make every moment count and every day better with him. I'll always remember our time together for learning and becoming who I am today. Thank you Don.

Colby McCroy

March 14, 2019

I'm sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Williams. Don joined Take Stock in Children of Manatee County in 2008 as a mentor and supporter to our program. He committed himself to mentoring Colby who was a 6th grade student at Nolan Middle School. Don spent time every week during the school year helping Colby stay on track with school, life, big things and small, but most of allhe was a friend to Colby. Don spent 7 years helping Colby become college ready and we are proud to say that Colby is graduating from USF Tampa this spring and plans on continuing his education perusing a Law degree!
Thank you, Mr. Williams, for your support to our program. We are honored that you chose our program to give your time and dedication to help change the life of one of our students. My you rest in peace until we all meet again.

Kelly Suba

March 14, 2019

Kelly Suba

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Kelly Suba

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Kelly Suba

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Kelly Suba

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Kelly Suba

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Don,
You were a great Man and will truly be missed. In the short time that we worked together, you taught me a lot, and I cherished every minute. Thank you, Don! I'll always remember you. Rest in Peace, my Friend.
Jeff Mondor

Jeff Mondor

March 14, 2019

Dad loved playing the piano from an early age. He spent his first post-WWII year playing in the Army band in Austria. He love of piano never waned, entertaining family and friends throughout his entire life

Chris Rivers

March 13, 2019

My dad was my hero, teaching strength through hard work and dedication. He was a master of leading by example. I will miss him dearly.

-Chris Rivers née Williams

Chris Rivers

March 13, 2019

David Williams

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Oh Dad . . . we're all so very proud of you and you are sincerely missed. You led a wonderful and exemplary life. You will forever be that 'North Star' that we can look to for guidance and direction - when we're lost, or when we just need some comfort and confirmation. You set the bar quite high in all you undertook. You were truly a certified and founding member of that 'Greatest Generation.' You 'held your post' with honor, discipline, and perseverance. You had a supreme and unwavering Faith in God, and that your next destination would be Heaven - and we have no doubt that it is in Heaven, where you now reside. May you rest now in Peace, a Peace well earned. Please 'speak' to us when you can. Until we meet again. We love you Dad. Your son, David.

David Williams

March 13, 2019

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Memorial Events
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Mar

15

Celebration of Life

10:00 a.m.

Woodland Community Baptist Church

9607 E. Highway 70, Bradenton, FL

Funeral services provided by:

Toale Brothers Funeral Home & Crematory - Bradenton Chapel

912 53rd Ave W., Bradenton, FL 34207

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