BRIAN WILLIAMS

1961 - 2025

BRIAN WILLIAMS Brian Arthur Williams, formerly of Independence, Mo., passed away peacefully in his home in Austin, Minn., on Thursday, February 27 at the age of 63 after a 15-year battle with metastatic kidney cancer. Brian is survived by his father, Wayne Williams of Blue Springs, Mo.; his sister, Dawn Williams of Independence; and his husband, Thomas Hiniker of the home. He was preceded in death by his mother, Vera Williams. Brian was born December 7, 1961 in Des Moines, Iowa. His family moved to Wisconsin in 1966. Twelve years later, they settled in Independence where Brian often played the organ for worship services at East 39th Street Community of Christ church. After graduating from Blue Springs High School, Brian completed his bachelor's degree in organ performance at University of Kansas and his master's degree at University of South Dakota. Upon completion of his musical education, Brian began his musical ministry as Director of Music and Arts at Calvary Episcopal Church in Rochester, Minn. After nearly 23 years at Calvary, Brian accepted the position of Director of Music and Worship at St. Olaf Lutheran church in Austin, Minn., a post he held for the last three years of his life. Two memorial services will be held for Brian Williams. The first will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 27 at East 39th Street Community of Christ church, 15006 E. 39th St. S., Independence. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m., prior to the service. The second memorial service will be held Saturday, April 5 at 11 a.m. at Saint Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. and a lunch reception following. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society.