Wayne Eugene “Gene” Williams

Wayne Eugene “Gene” Williams passed away Dec. 10, 2020. He was the second of four boys born to Jess Thomas and Lois Marie (Robbins) Williams on Nov. 27, 1939 in Crane. He lived and farmed there until he left to pursue his post-secondary education at Abilene Christian University before finishing his bachelor’s and, eventually, a master’s degree in entomology from the University of Missouri. While living in Columbia and lead singing at the local church, he met the love of his life, Carolyn Sue and they were united in marriage and began their family on Dec. 24, 1961. After graduation, Williams taught Vo-Ag in Miller for two years. He then accepted a position with the Federal Land Bank in Aurora making loans on farms all over the southwest, a career he held for 20 years. When his time with the Land Bank was over, he was hired as the branch manager for First Savings and Loan, also in Aurora. He worked there for nine years before retiring. Throughout his working life he maintained working farms, first in Verona and for the last 40 years on the family farm south of Aurora. He was a faithful shepherd of the Lord’s flock at the Aurora Church of Christ for 42 years.
He is survived by, his brothers, Jerry (Tibby), Loyd (Mary), and Paul (Vicki); his wife; daughters, Debra (Mike) Kleeman and Deanna (Tom) Fox; sons, David (Tammy), and Darin; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A funeral service under the direction of the Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home in Aurora was held Dec. 19, 2020, at the Aurora Church of Christ. A private family burial followed at the Maple Park Cemetery in Aurora. Viewing was held Dec. 18, 2020, in the funeral home chapel.
Memorials may be made to Doors Slammed Open Ministries in care of the funeral home.