Arland Williams

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Arland Wayne Williams, born July 16, 1934, to Calvin and Beulah (Norton) Williams in Rush Springs, OK. Both his parents passed away by the time he turned 12, he then lived with various family members until enlisting into the United States Air Force at the age of 17. While stationed in San Rafael, CA., he met his first wife and mother of his children, Bonnie Pierce. They lived in several cities across California, relocating to the state of Missouri in 1977.

Arland was a grade A welder and in 1979, along with being in the Air Force reserves, went to work for the civil service, relocating to Oklahoma City, OK., working at Tinker Air Force Base. While employed there, he met and married the love of his life, Rachel. They had 34 wonderful years together before her passing in 2014.

After Rachel's passing, he relocated to Southeast Kansas to be closer to family.

Along with his parents and his wife, Rachel, he was also preceded in death by 5 brothers, John Wesley Williams of Rush Springs, OK., Melvin Williams of Galena, MO., Billy Jo Williams of Oklahoma City, OK., Alvin L. Williams of Verden, OK., Bobby Gene Williams of Crane, MO., a sister, Myra Nell McDonald of Crane, MO., and a daughter, Deborah Jean Forehand of Joplin, MO.

He is survived by a daughter, Becky Cagle and husband Bob, Joplin, grandson Matthew Cagle, Joplin, granddaughters Sonni Potts and husband James, Joplin, Allie Ellsworth and husband Colby, Springfield, great-grandchildren, Donovan Potts, Alex Potts, Halle Potts, Silas Ellsworth, Kaylee Ellsworth and Liam Ellsworth.

Arland was born and raised to be a person of faith. Serving God was his passion until the day he passed. He faithfully attended The Sheep Shed Church, Neosho, MO.

He was a natural born charmer, he could "grin and sweet talk" his way out of any situation.

He has gained his robe and crown, and surely he will be waiting at the gate when we all one day join him.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Clark Funeral Home Chapel of Memories in Neosho. A graveside service will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri.

Arland will be laid to rest with full military honors conducted by the Missouri Funeral Honors Program.