Vernie Williams

Vernie L. Williams

Age 80 of Peru, Indiana passed away Wednesday September 13, 2006 at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana, surrounded by his loving family.

Born December 10, 1925 in Greenfield, Tennessee he was a son of the late J.W. and Bessie (Bogle) Williams. On August 17, 1946 Vernie married Gayelle Green and she preceded him in death. He then married Beverly Goad Morrison in Wilmington, Illinois on June 11, 1977. Vernie was part of America's greatest generation. He served with the US Navy during WWII and his military decorations include the American Theater Medal, the European-African- Mid East Medal and the WWII Victory Medal. He was employed as a Machinist with Caterpillar Tractor Company in Joliet for more than 25 years until retiring in 1988. Vernie and his wife Beverly moved to Peru, Indiana following his retirement, where he was a member of the Miami County VFW Post 2067. Vernie was also a former member of the Wilmington Masonic Lodge #208. He and his wife had been avid bingo players for years and Vernie was an accomplished woodworker who enjoyed making things for his family and friends. He never met a stranger, had a smile that would warm your heart and thoroughly enjoyed talking with people, especially his veteran buddies at the VFW.

Survivors include his loving wife Beverly; children: Michael (Colleen) Williams of Wilmington, Mark Williams of Puryear, Tennessee, Toni (Harold) Fancher of Murry Kentucky, Barbara (James) Johns of Shelbyville, Indiana and Melinda Bonham of Braceville. One step-daughter Catherine (Michael) Rasor of Peru, Indiana; one sister Carrie Rowlett of Martin, Tennessee; (15) Grandchildren and (8) Great Grandchildren.

Vernie was preceded in death by his first wife Gayelle, two brothers and four sisters.

Visitation will be held on Sunday September 17, 2006 between the hours of 2:00PM and 5:00PM and Monday September 18th from 9:00AM until time of funeral services 10:00AM at Reeves Funeral Home, 219 North Joliet Street (two blocks North of Illinois Route 113 / Baltimore Street) in Wilmington. Rev. David Lagos-Fonseca and Rev. Shirley Pulgar-Hughes from the First United Methodist Church of Wilmington will officiate. Burial with full military honors will follow in Oakwood Cemetery in Wilmington.

Friends may sign the online guest book by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements are under the direction of Reeves Funeral Home in Wilmington.