Michael Jacob Williams

On March 15, 2022, Michael Williams passed away at the age of 46 of heart disease. 

He was born on July 1, 1975 in Lebanon, Indiana and was raised by Michael and Karen Patton of New Richmond.  At an early age he exhibited an ability to memorize children’s books, movies and songs.  At the age of three he had memorized Peter Rabbit, The Night Before Christmas, and the Pledge of Allegiance.  He loved Disney movies and often recited whole sections of dialogue from the movies or would sing the songs from the musicals.  His favorite movie for many years was “Harry and the Hendersons” especially when Harry eats a corsage. 

He was diagnosed with Autism in a time when few verbal children with Autism were properly diagnosed.  Because of his lack of communication skills, he often asked the same questions over and over, especially “What time is it?” “When is your birthday?” and “Can I see your watch?”  Michael could remember the birthdates and ages of everyone he knew.  He loved to do 1000 piece jigsaw puzzles and put together Lego kits.

When he was in fifth grade he won the school Spelling Bee and went on to the county competition.  Born with a beautiful voice, he received a standing ovation at the Tuttle Middle School Talent Contest in the 8th grade.  Connie Meek coached him to sing “Edelweiss” from the Sound of Music.  He won 2nd place.  Special Olympics was important to Michael and his family.  He participated in track and field and weightlifting, but his favorite sport was bowling.  One year he even tried downhill skiing. 

Every summer for almost twenty years he attended Vacation Bible School for the disabled at Hanging Rock Camp.  He loved the swimming and the singing.  Even though he was severely disabled, he would learn things that were unexpected such as saying “Everyone makes mistakes.  Only God is perfect.”  He attended schools in both the North Montgomery and Crawfordsville School Systems.  Speech therapists in both school systems helped him with basic communication skills.  The peer-tutor program was especially helpful to help him with socialization and many peer-tutors benefited from knowing him.  Several adults in our community went into the field of special education because of the work they did with Michael.  After high school he lived in a group home and in a Medicaid Waiver House, but for the last 15 years he has resided in Madison, Indiana at Madison State Hospital.

He is survived by parents, Michael and Karen Patton, a sister, Kristen Stivers, and a niece and nephew.  The family of Michael is very grateful for all the people who made Michael a part of their lives.

A memorial service will be held at 2 PM on Tuesday, March 22 at Burkhart Funeral Home, led by Pastor Duane Mycroft.  Visitation will be from 1 PM until the service.  Michael was a tissue and organ donor and has been cremated.

Contributions can be made to the Montgomery County Special Olympics, c/o Dana Melvin, P.O. Box 177, Russellville, IN 46175 or the National Autism Society, 6110 Executive Boulevard, Ste. 305, Rockville MD 20852 or by visiting autismsociety.org/donate.