Melvin J. Williams

Melvin J. Williams, aged 88, was called to his Heavenly Home at 8:41 p.m. on Monday, March 16, 2026, at his daughter's home, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on May 23, 1937, in Lima, OH, Mel was the son of the late Herman R. and Ethel R. (German) Williams. He married Judith Mary (Wanamaker) Williams on August 22, 1959, who preceded him in death on December 18, 2006. He later married Patricia Ann Pohlman on December 28, 2007, who survives him.

Mel was a 1955 graduate of St. Rose Catholic High School in Lima and pursued higher education at Xavier University, ultimately earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from The Ohio State University. A lifelong entrepreneur, he owned and operated several businesses with his brothers, including Fruit Distributors and Brothers Four Country Store, and retired as the owner and operator of The Old Barn Out Back. Deeply rooted in his Catholic faith, Mel served in various roles within the Catholic Church, including membership at St. John's Catholic Church in Lima, Delphos St. John's Catholic Church, and, most recently, St. Rose Catholic Church in Lima. A dedicated member of the Lima community, he actively participated in numerous civic organizations. He was particularly proud of founding "The Table of Wisdom," a group he described as comprising some of the brightest minds in the Lima community. Mel cherished his family, enjoyed traveling, and took great pleasure in attending his grandchildren's school and sporting events.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Pohlman Williams of Lima; his children, Anne (Michael) Tubridy of Crystal Lake, IL, Shelly (Brad) Beggin of Lima, Mark Williams of Mount Holly, NC, Jennifer (John) Welch of Centerville, Peter (Bridgett) Williams of Lima, and Cathy (Andy) Borgmeier of Hilton Head, SC; his grandchildren, Meredith, Caitlin, Matthew, Ryan, Lindsey, Austin, Sarah, Kara, Kelly, Michael, Jack, Jacob, Gabriel, Michaela, Alaina, Noah, Judith, and Andrew; numerous great-grandchildren; his step children, Cyndee (Ron) Morris of Lima, Kevin (Teri) Pohlman of Naples, FL, Duane (Sharon) Pohlman of Cincinnati, and Steve (Brenda) Pohlman of Perrysburg; step-grandchildren, Ryan, Brittany, Kenzie, Zach, Stacy, Steph, and Tyler; numerous step great-grandchildren; and his brother, Bob Williams.

In addition to his parents and first wife, he is preceded in death by his sisters, Neva Hermiller and Linda Young; and brothers, David Williams and Thomas Williams.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at St. Rose Catholic Church, 523 N. West St, Lima, OH 45801. Father David Ross will officiate the service.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026, at CHILES - LAMAN FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES, SHAWNEE CHAPEL. A Parish Wake Service will follow the visitation at 8:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Austin's Army C/O of Shelly and Brad Beggin, 2227 Oakland Parkway, Lima, OH 45805, Venmo @AustinsArmy or St. Rose Catholic Church.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.