Raphel Orlondo Williams

Raphel Orlondo Williams was born on August 28, 1951, in Kansas City, KS, to Raphel and Shirley Williams, who preceded him in death, along with his grandparents. He grew up in Bonner Springs, KS, and later moved to California, where he graduated from Clovis East High School in 1969. He is credited with being the first black class president, valedictorian, and the first black student to receive an academic scholarship to UCLA. He received the California Central Valley Highest Group Honor Society award. Orlondo had a passion for reading and worked at creating reading tapes for Books for the blind. As an avid learner, he pursued many continuing education college courses. Additionally, Orlondo loved music; he played the saxophone in a jazz band and was known as the DJ, The Emperor. As a Vietnam War veteran, Orlondo served in the United States Air Force from 1971 to 1975, achieving the rank of Sargent. In 1981 Orlondo and Wendy met and married in 1983 but divorced in 1987.
In his secular career, he worked for the Economic Opportunity Foundation as an Accountant and as the Interim Director. He later worked in the field as a meter reader for BPU from where he retired. He resided in Leavenworth, KS until his untimely passing.
Orlondo loved his family and has left them mourning his loss. His two sons Raphael Alphonse Williams (Lacresha), Damian Orlondo Williams, Wendy Williams (ex-wife), and (a daughter) California. His only sister Sheila Williams Carter (Albert) California, 3 brothers Kevin Williams, Nathan Williams (Jackie), Raphel Clark Williams Jr. Kansas City, MO, 4 grandchildren: Damian Jr, D'Shuan, Jazmyne, and Desten as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.