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Lynch Family Funeral Home

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London, Ohio

Dakota Williams Obituary

WILLIAMS Dakota Christian Williams, 16, of London, died Wednesday, February 29, 2012, 6:12 a.m. Jesus welcomed Dakota into heaven with his arms wide open. Dakota was born March 29, 1995 in Indianapolis, Indiana, the son of Wayne and Heather (Harpold) Williams. He had been manager of both the LHS and LMS basketball teams. He had been in the LMS and the LHS musicals as well as several with Madison County Arts Council. At LHS he was Secretary of the Computer Business Committee, was a member of the Prom Committee. He attended Shiloh Mennonite Church. Dakota was a great NASCAR fan, having built a strong bond with his special friend Carl Edwards. He has a service dog "Tolan". He loved living life to it's fullest, having never met a stranger. He loved football, basketball, and hockey. He was avid about staying in touch with his fellow "Nemaliners" at Nemalinemyopathy.org. Dakota is survived by his most loving and adoring parents; sister, Destiny Williams and brother, Dylan Williams, both at home; maternal grandparents, Ron and Debbie Harpold of London; paternal grandparents, Jerald Willaims of Columbus and Barbara (Chris) Sherrod of Colmbus; aunts and uncles, Jeff and Anna Harpold of London,; Ron and Angie Harpold of Galloway; cousins, Cassidy, Madison, and Julie Harpold, Emily and Sarah Harpold, Derek Williams; very special nurses, Judi Kauffman and Rollin Brossman. Dakota was preceded in death by his Uncle Derek Williams. The family invites friends to call at the RADER-LYNCH AND DODDS FUNERAL HOME, 124 E. High St., London, Sunday from 4-8 p.m. A funeral will be celebrated Monday, 11 a.m. at the Shiloh Mennonite Church with the Reverend Brian Hershberger officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, friends may make contributions in Dakota's memory to the Shiloh Mennonite Church, 7521 Woods West Ave., London, Ohio to help the Williams family with expenses or the Nemaline Myopathy Foundation, PO Box 5937, Round Rock, Texas 78683-5937. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to Dakota's family at: www.rldfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit theĀ Sympathy Store.

Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Feb. 29 to Mar. 1, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Dakota Williams

Not sure what to say?





Derek Fleming

February 22, 2025

Even though it's been nearly 13 years since Dakota left the physical world, the memories of him serve to keep him present still today. Never forgotten. God bless.

Barbara Sherrod

February 22, 2025

Oh dakota you are still missed just as much as that day. Always in my thoughts forever in my heart. God I miss you love forever.
Beanie grandma

Beanie grandma

February 22, 2022

Miss you so bad baby, don“t think it ever goes away

Judy Jenkins

February 27, 2021

Dakota was such a very special young man and such an inspiration to us. It's hard to believe it's been almost nine years since his passing, time is such an illusion. His life gave us so much hope and his legacy will live forever. Wendy and I plan to donate to the Canine Companions for Independence in memory of Dakota. We were wondering if Tolan was with you or with Dakota now! Yuki is becoming one of the oldest working CCI dogs, at 13 and a half! We are so blessed that she is still with us. We are thinking of you and our prayers are with you. May God bless you and bring you peace. Judy and Wendy Jenkins, Canine Companions Class of 2009

Cheryl Shumaker

March 23, 2012

Dakota you were a wonderful person to meet. I have very fond memories of you and your dog. You were the perfect match and brought lots of great memories to our 2009 CCI Graduation. You hold a special place in my heart. My prayers go to your wonderful family.

Dodie Winebrenner

March 10, 2012

You and your family remain in my prayers. We were blessed to know Dakota as many others were and he was a special gift from God.

daryan shoemaker

March 8, 2012

dakota im going to miss you so much camp aint going to be the same without you. you always put a smile on are faces and made us laugh and you was always chasing ron around you will truly be miss i miss yah buddy

March 6, 2012

I did not know Dakota, my niece has NM and each year we do a walk to try and help raise some awareness. Dakota sounds like a great person and we will be sure to have a special moment of silence for him this year.

KaShonda Summers

March 5, 2012

I did not have the privilege of knowing or meeting Dakota, however I have heard wonderful things of him from specialists at Children's hosp and his nurse. My 2yr old son Christion has Nemaline Myopathy as well and reading of how wonderful parents you are and Dakota is has inspired me. I will be walking in the muscle walk here and will be thinking of him and your family as we do. Be uplifted and thank you

Dakota and Carl Edwards.

Jim Tuttle

March 4, 2012

So sorry for your lost. I met Dakota at the races and have some autographed pictures I'd like to get to the family.

Shelley (Robinett) Leopard

March 4, 2012

I am so sorry! Your family is in our thoughts and prayers! Much love!

Douglas Sutherland

March 4, 2012

My family and I would like to extend our love and prayers to the family of the bravest soul a spirit could find.
Through it all, Through it all, I've learned to trust in Jesus, I've learned to trust in God.
May Our God comfort your hearts while Dakota makes his Heavenly flight.
Douglas Sutherland & Family

gail williams

March 4, 2012

dakota i will always love and miss you u are truely a angel wayne and heather i will be here for u love yall so much!n

David Day

March 3, 2012

Sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.

Wilma Cessna

March 3, 2012

So sorry to hear this sad news, I will keep you all in my prayers.
Dakota was loved by many people.

Ruth Watts

March 3, 2012

Wayne, Heather and family (Debbie and Ron) - My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Dakota was just a super guy! - Ruth Watts (Springfield, Ohio)

Darci Morris

March 2, 2012

my sympathy's to you, plz know that i am thinking about all of you., very sorry. sincerely

Christy Brossman

March 2, 2012

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends

Dakota was such an inspiration to many. I am honored to have had him as a student. I am even more honored that Rollin got to work with him and we feel we became a part of the family.

I am sure he is in Heaven chasing everyone around, running over their toes, arguing with them and bossing them around! He certainly knew how to make a person laugh. I will forever cherish the memories...

sue & jerry holmes

March 2, 2012

Wayne,Heather&family: Please except our condolences and know how sorry we are to hear about Dakota.

Donna Williams

March 2, 2012

You ran the best race, and finished a winner. God has your trophy dear "NASCAR ANGEL" You've made it into the winner's circle!
LOVE YOU,
AUNT DONNA

Caroline Harrison

March 1, 2012

I had the pleasure of being a counselor of Dakota's this past summer at Victory Junction. He was always such a happy and entertaining guy! From sharing his amazing ET impression, to running us over with his wheelchair (on purpose!), to riding a horse, to accomplishing the adventure tower, he was always a joy to be around! I am thankful to have met such an amazing kid who will truly be missed by all the people who have been touched by him! God bless the entire family and thank you for allowing us to enjoy Dakota for a week at Victory Junction!

Judy Jenkins

March 1, 2012

Dear Wayne, Heather, Dylan & Destiny,

No words can tell you how very sad we are to learn of your loss of Dakota. The time we shared with you during the Canine Companion class was so very special to us. We could see that you were a wonderful family and we were so impressed with everything Dakota was actively involved in and all that he had accomplished in his life. We embraced the special bond Dakota had with Tolan and it meant so much to me that you befriended Wendy and shared your story as she shared hers with you. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of you. May God bless you and help you get through your grief. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love & Blessings, Wayne, Judy, Wendy & Yuki Jenkins

Pam Hampton

March 1, 2012

Although I never had the priviledge to meet Dakota personally, I feel like I've known him forever through the stories I've heard from his Grandma Debbie when we worked together in the school cafeteria. What a fine young man he was. Now he gets to hear his Savior say "Well done, my good and faithful servant." My prayers are with his family. I'm looking forward to meeting Dakota in Heaven one day. May God bless you all.

Penny Tillis, LPN

March 1, 2012

I was blessed to have cared for Dakota for a little bit of his precious life. Such a joy to be in his presence & such a great family to work with. Karen really worded it well! I have fond memories of this spunky young man.
From him wanting to stay up later to him trapping me in a corner with his wheelchair then closing his eyes & "tuning me out" but when I said I was going to call mom, his eyes popped open & he quickly backed up. So playful & easy going. The family did an awesome job helping him live life to the fullest. He was loved by many & leaves behind a lifetime of memories for all who knew him. My prayers for comfort & peace for his family. Love & hugs,

Justin Cox

March 1, 2012

May GOD bless you and your entire family! I had the pleasure of meeting Dakota at camp also this past summer. He was not in my cabin, but it was joy to see him trying new things and I did have the opportunity to interact with him in a few activities. So happy i did! Just one of the wonderful memories that i have had the priviledge of experiencing these past 2 summers at VJ. Thank you Dakota! You will be missed dearly!! Peace and blessings to your entire family!!!

Derek Fleming

March 1, 2012

Dear Wayne, Heather, Dylan & Destiny,
Our hearts broke yesterday when we heard the news. It can be imagined that this is the toughest event ever experienced by your entire family. Dakota lived a happier and fuller life because of the parent's that you two were to him. He couldn't have wished for better parents. You have many co-workers who work with or have worked with the both of you and who who are thinking of your entire family through this time of loss. Please take care of yourselves and the rest will take care of itself. You are in Derek's, Jo's, Mackenzie's and Alyssa's thoughts and prayers.

With Sincere Sympathy,
The Fleming's

Pamilla Pollock

March 1, 2012

We will all miss u! U are missed greatly and we wish that u were still here but god wanted u to be with him! You were a great friend to me! I was in you photography class at the high school! I wish that i could of said a last few words to you but i stopped going to london but i am so sorry for the loss and wish there was some way to help you!

Cindy Francis

March 1, 2012

Love you Dakota
Love Jeremy Cindy Samantha Courteney and Summertime

Larry Newton

March 1, 2012

Spent a great week with Dakota at Victory Junction last summer. Truly an amazing young man who wanted to do everything there was to do at camp and actually did. So thankful for the wonderful memories, the opportunity to have met this young man, and learned a little more of what life is truly all about. Thoughts and prayers to you all.

karen williams

March 1, 2012

you sure will be missed may god wrap his arms around you and your family at this time of need. Aunt Karen

March 1, 2012

angel in heaven watch over us..we will miss you.you are an inspiration.
wish i could be there physically for you heather,wayne and family...xo

Larry Wagner Sr

March 1, 2012

My prayers go out to Dakota's family. I remember Dakota from camp. I volunteer at Victory Junction and I run the archery range at camp. I will always have wonderful memories of the fun we had with Dakota at camp.

Larry Wagner Sr.
The Archery Guy at Victory Junction Camp.

gary & jewell thompson

March 1, 2012

prayers go out to the family of dakota williamsyou will be missed but not forgotten.

Karen Ritchie

March 1, 2012

To all of Dakota's Family:
Dakota lived the best life because of each one of you. The word " no or we can't" was something he never heard. You made him the very best that he could be for over 16 years. The bright light in your lives is gone. There will never be a replacement for that huge void. I remember Dakota as a baby, toddler, and such an amazing young man. It was my great honor to care for him and love him. He gave such joy to everyone. My heart is broken as I know all of yours are. I know God will wrap each of you in his arms and comfort you. I am lifted up knowing that Dakota is running, jumping, and telling everyone what a great life he had on Earth.

Karen Ritchie, RN

Sharon Williams

March 1, 2012

To our very special great-nephew, Dakota, you will be forever loved and missed, especially your wonderful smile. You showed everyone you met that a disability doesn't stop anyone from making their dreams come true. Wayne, Heather, Destiny, Dylan, and all your other family, we pray God wraps his arms around you in your time of need and gives you the strength to get through this terrible time in your lives, and lets you know he is taking great care of Dakota. We love you all,
Aunt Sharon & Uncle Charlie

Melissa Sang "Toyota West"

March 1, 2012

Wayne and family so sorry for your loss! Many prayers!

March 1, 2012

dakota ,my punkin i know uncle derek met you at the gates so you would't be scared or alone.i will miss you till the end of time.no goodbye just till we met again .i love you forever and always beanie grandma

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