DONALD J. WILLIAMS

DONALD J. WILLIAMS, passed the checkered flag on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016. "Raised in the cradle of the Indy 500, Donald enjoyed a life of going fast." Born June 25, 1929, he was the son of the late Arthur and Ruth Williams. As a true Indy man, Don attended Butler and enlisted in the Indiana Air National Guard as an armorer for P-51's. Going with the speed theme, he had jobs with Chrysler, Cessna and NASA in which he helped design the Saturn 1 and 1B boosters. He also had career stops at Sears and as a business owner of the Mole Hole Gift Shop. Don made flights in P-51's and dabbled in Indy race cars. Public service was imperative and he acted as a Guardian on two Honor Flights, served in several capacities for many decades with the Mizpah Shrine, and volunteered at Science Central and the Baer Field Flight Museum (would you like a cookie?). Don was a very active member of First Presbyterian Church serving as an Elder, on the Art Gallery Committee, and yes, still on the Building & Grounds committee. In recognition of his service, the church awarded Don the Distinguished Service Award in 2003. Many of his famous Indiana water color and oil landscapes can be seen in various locales. A loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Don is survived by his wife, Sharon Hedeen; and his kids, Elizabeth Johnson of Indianapolis, Ind., Nancy Hamadou of Tucson, Ariz. and Dan Williams of Lake Forest, Calif. Don's legacy includes 10 grandkids and 11 great-grandkids (and counting). All this would not be possible without his wife of 50 years the late Barbara (Sally) Williams. He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Richard Williams and Lois Zopf. "We will miss his guidance, laugh and love. We hope you had the chance to experience the same." Memorial service is 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 21, 2016, at First Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Mizpah Shrine Transportation Fund, 1015 Memorial Way, Fort Wayne, IN 46805. Funeral arrangements by D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home.