Lee Williams

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Lee Allen WIlliams, 84, of Mindenmines, Missouri passed away at 7:57 a.m., Thursday August 6th, of 2020 at his home following a fearless battle with cancer. Dr. Lee Allen Williams was born February 19th, 1936 in Mindenmines, Missouri. He was the son and first born child of John Cecil and Agnes (Irwin) Williams.

He resided in Mindenmines, Missouri most of his life where he attended school as a child. He graduated from Kansas State Teachers College now known as Pittsburg State University with his bachelors and masters degree. He received his Doctoral from Texas A&M. He received a Linguistics degree from The University of Arizona and The University of Kansas. 

He taught schools in: Leavenworth, Kansas; Miracle Valley, Arizona; Goodman, Missouri; Bronaugh, Missouri; St. Paul, Kansas; Ohio Central State University, Kansas State University, Missouri Southern State University, Texas A&M, and retired from McAuley High School in Joplin, Missouri. He attended church at the “Church of God” in Mindenmines, Missouri his entire life taking a very active part in the church as song leader and Sunday school teacher where he was known to bring his love for God alive with singing and dancing. 

During Lee’s lifetime he traveled to many vast places, some of his out of the country travels include: Tijuana; Juarez; Holland; Belgium; France; Greece; The Middle East; Israel; Jerusalem; Bethlehem; and Canada. Other than traveling you could find Lee spending his time writing poetry and short stories, which he has published a few pieces. Fishing with his beloved Maddox Wade, putting on theatrical shows, and above all singing and dancing without a care in the world and truly took on the phrase to dance as if know one was watching. 

Although it is well known he was very proud of his work, the most rewarding times of his life were always giving back to his community. You could always find him ringing the bells for charity around Christmas time with The Salvation Army, which he also visited almost everyday in his retired years. Performing on activity day at the local nursing home, where he was always raising everyone's spirits. Above all of his education, teaching, and giving back to his community, he will always be known the most to his loved ones as being “Buddy” where he was more than a grandfatherly figure.

He is survived by two sisters: Darlene “June” Pottorff and Linda Higgins; both of Mindenmines, Missouri. Nieces Cande Hill of Frontenac, Kansas and Laura Bronson of Parsons, Kansas nephews; Randy Hill and wife Brandi of Pittsburg, Kansas; Jason Higgins and John Pottorff of Mindenmines, Missouri; Sister-in-Law Darlene Williams of Parsons, Kansas. Several great nieces and nephews and a host of friends and relatives. A great niece Rachel Miller and her husband Wade Miller and a great-great niece Madison Miller and great-great nephew Maddox Miller who has so graciously provided for his care during his illness.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Cecil Lloyd Williams, nephews Cecil Lloyd Williams Jr. and Duane Allen Williams; a great nephew Jeremy Pelican and Brother-in-Law Robert Pottorff.

Visitation will be Tuesday August 11th, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Derfelt Funeral Home in Baxter Springs, Kansas. Services will be Wednesday 2:00 p.m. August 12th, at Mindenmines “Church of God” and burial to follow at Nashville Cemetery directly after. Online condolences can be made www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.