John Williams

John Cobb Williams, 82, of Wilmette, Illinois and Naples, Florida, died Friday, November 30 at Avow Hospice of Naples.
He was born in Wilmette, the son of Ralph M and Mary (Cobb) Williams. He graduated from New Trier High School, Wesleyan College and Yale Law School. In college he was a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity and particularly enjoyed singing in the school's choir.
He married HelenGraceGilbert, of Kenilworth, Illinois, in 1955 at Kenilworth Union Church. Three daughters were born soon thereafter - Holly Montague(Larry Gniadek)ofMount Prospect, Illinois, NancyWilliams(Sandy Morrison)of Portland, Oregon and SarahMasonWilliams(Gabriel Ramirez)of Los Angeles,California. John spent his entire legal career as a partner at the Chicago office of Sidley & Austin, specializing in trusts and estates.Heserved many years on the Village Board of Northbrook, Illinois, including a four year term as Village President.He contributed extensive workto the Illinois Bar Association. John particularly enjoyedhis community of friends,traveling, tennis, reading, writing, andsinging in the Glencoe Union Churchchoir.
Helen died in1999. In 2004, he married the Honorable Virginia Blankenbaker, of Indianapolis and Wilmette, also at Kenilworth Union Church. Virginia served as an Indiana State Senator before settling in Wilmette to be near her daughter Susan Blankenbaker Noyes' family.
He is predeceased by his brother Ralph F. Williams (Muriel) of Frankfort, Michigan and his sister Mickey (Jack) Williams Butler of Winnetka, Illinois. He is survived by his daughters, Virginia and her family - Susan (Nick)Noyes; Sharon Blankenbaker Smith of Naples; David Blankenbaker of Scottsdale, Arizona; Betsy Blankenbaker of Miami, Florida and Indianapolis; Jim (Carrie) Blankenbaker; 15 grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren - and extensive other family including many beloved nieces, nephews and their grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place at Fuller Funeral Home. Memorial services will take place at North Naples United Methodist Church on Thursday, December 6 at 4 p.m. and Kenilworth Union Church on Saturday, December 15 at 3 p.m.
Memorial contributions in John's name may be made to the North Naples United Methodist Church, Kenilworth Union Church and New Trier Education Foundation.
Service Information
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