Joseph Williams

(From Hedge-Lewis Funeral Home)

Joseph F. Williams, age 88, of Webb City, Mo. passed away at 3:48 p.m. Tuesday at his home in Webb City. 

Joe was born October 12, 1926 in Bakersfield, Mo. and came to Webb City in a covered wagon. For a short time his family traveled in a covered wagon to Oklahoma and later returned to Webb City where he spent the rest of his life. He was a graduate of Webb City High School, and for a short time served as a Webb City policeman. Joe worked for Elder’s Mfg. Co. and later National Mills for 44 years, retiring in 1986. He continued as a hobby working on sewing machines following his retirement. Joe served his country in the U. S. Army during WW II, and continued his service with the National Guard for an additional 23 years. He was Past Commander of the Webb City American Legion Post 322, and a member of the VFW Post 7630. He served as Chaplain of both organizations and was active in the American Legion baseball program.Joe was also an active member of Central Christian Center in Joplin.

Joe married Dorothy Alumbaugh May 22, 1959 in Webb City and she survives. Additional survivors include a daughter Brenda Koeshall and husband Rick, Webb City, two grandchildren, Amanda Cooper and husband Pete, and Kristian Koeshall, and two great grandchildren, Brody, and Doyle. Joe was preceded in death by a son, Randy Williams, three brothers, Charles, Adli, and Bernard Williams, and two sisters, Thelma Walker, and Emma Tappana.

Services will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday at the Hedge-Lewis Chapel with Hank Deslatte, Doug Wilkerson, and Paul Bayless, Ministers, officiating. Burial will follow with Military Honors at the Oronogo Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6-7 p.m. Thursday at the Funeral Home. Memorial contributions are requested to Central Christian Center in care of the Funeral Home. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hedge-Lewis Funeral Home of Webb City, Mo.