Joseph P. Williams

MONROE CITY, Mo. -- Joseph Paul Williams, 82, of Monroe City, died Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015, at Hannibal Regional Hospital.

Joe Paul was born Jan. 1, 1933, in Indian Creek, a son of Martin Thomas and Rose Bertha (Adam) Williams. On April 9, 1951, Joe Paul married Bertha Rose Spalding. She died Jan. 4, 2012.

He graduated from St. Stephen High School in 1950.

Joe Paul began his career with the post office in Monroe City on Nov. 8, 1951. He worked for 37 years at the post office until his retirement, spending most of that time as the postmaster. After retirement, he worked in the mail room at Diemakers and helped with floral delivery for Michael's Flowers. Joe Paul also enjoyed spending time at the casino.

Joe Paul was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church.

He was an original board member for the Monroe City Sheltered Workshop and a member of the Jaycees, Moose Lodge, Library Board, Parks Board, Monroe City Nutrition Center Board and the Monroe City Booster Club. He was a Cub Scout leader, a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus and the financial secretary for the Indian Creek Knights of Columbus for many years. He was active in Christ Renews His Parish, attending several times. He enjoyed going to daily Mass and loved the fellowship of his prayer group.

Joe Paul was an avid fan of the Holy Rosary Trojans, Monroe City Panthers and the St. Louis Cardinals, and he loved being a spectator at sporting events. He spent many hours attending the activities of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Joe Paul had a contagious smile and an amazing love for his God, family and friends, and nature. He never met a stranger.

Mr. Williams is survived by daughters, Debbie Watson (Tom), of Monroe City, and Mary Jo Yegge (Jeff) of Washington; sons, Jay Williams (Lynette), Bill Williams (Babby), Ron Williams (Kelly) and Scott Williams (Kari), all of Monroe City; grandchildren, Ryan Watson, Kyle Watson, Brad Williams, Erin Williams, Laura Williams, Matt Williams, Shane Williams, Michael Williams, Monica Paez, Ross Williams, Collin Williams, Lance Williams, Emmalee Williams, Karsyn Williams; step-grandchildren, Dylan and Jessica Yegge; great-grandchildren, Blaine Watson, Rhett Watson, Dax Watson, Briggs Watson, Bryce Watson, Myra Jones, Willow Williams, Henley Williams, Reid Williams, Brynn Williams, Drew Williams, Landry Williams, Beckett Paez and Calvin Paez; one great-grandchild expected to arrive in February; sisters, Regina Hays of Monroe City and Betty Pfaff of Hannibal; brother, Jim Williams of Canton, Ill.; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and many friends.

Along with his wife of 60 years, Bertha, Joe Paul was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Rosalie Buckman, Margaret Jane McCurren and Loretta Quinn; and a brother, Tom Williams.

SERVICES: A con-celebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with the Rev. Michael Quinn, the Rev. Pat Pierceall and the Rev. George Kramer conducting. Burial will follow in Holy Rosary Cemetery.

VISITATION: 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, at Yager-Kendrick Funeral Home, Monroe City, with a rosary to be recited at 3:45 p.m. and a scripture service at 8 p.m.

MEMORIALS: Holy Rosary Church, Monroe City Senior Nutrition Center, Missouri Right to Life, or the donor's choice in care of Yager-Kendrick Funeral Home, 545 Stoddard St. Monroe City, MO 63456.

ARRANGEMENTS: Yager-Kendrick Funeral Home.

WEBSITE: www.yagerkendrickfh.com.

Condolences may be expressed online at whig.com.