Rex Williams Obituary

Funeral services for Rex A. Williams, 61, Lawrence, KS will be at 9 a.m. Thursday, August 2, 2012 at the Warren-McElwain Mortuary- Eudora Chapel. Burial will follow in the Eudora Cemetery. He died on Sunday, July 29, 2012 at his home in Lawrence.

Rex Williams was born July 28, 1951, in Mountain Home, AR, the son of Eugene and Betty Bearden Williams. He grew up in Eudora, KS, graduating from Eudora High School in 1969. Rex married his wife of 42 years, Judy Taylor, in 1970.

His work experience included Dillons, manager of Jayhawk Towers, and manager of Jayhawk Training Table in Lawrence, until 1975, when he changed careers and worked for Mid-Central Fish and Frozen Foods, in Kansas City, KS. When the company was sold to SYSCO, Rex transitioned from truck driver into sales, and later became a supervisor over the truck drivers. Rex remained a dedicated employee until he became disabled with COPD.

He received a lung transplant in 2003. The Williams Family is forever grateful to the family of Matthew LeBeau for giving Rex the ability to live another 9 years. Rex took advantage of every opportunity to speak at schools, telling his story of smoking, and how it ruined his life, and became a spokesperson for organ donation. Rex became very involved with KU's International Students. Through this program, the family has grown in numbers, and in great relationships. Rex has been an "American Dad" to many – Ranata, Hyo-Jung, Angel, Jade, Shon-Kin, Calvin, Tina, Kai-Chin, and even "Grandpa" to Gianna – just to name a few. The entire Williams Family has reaped the benefits of consistently adding new "family" members and increased knowledge and respect of other countries and their customs. A lot of love has been exchanged back and forth with the Williams' International Family, and these relationships will continue to be a source of joy and encouragement for the family.

Rex loved babies – all babies – and wanted to be a valuable member to the Family of God. He took care of several infants during his time of disability, often volunteering to care for babies of parents experiencing financial difficulties. He was always available to do whatever was needed, to the extent that is health allowed. Wherever he saw a need – he stepped up to the challenge. Most recently, he saw the need in his Church Family in Lawrence, to learn how to run the sound system during services. He quickly mastered this task, and taught others to be able to duplicate and/or take-over this ministry as well. Rex was a vital part of the Worship Team. He never missed a rehearsal, and always made himself available to any one of the FCL Family who needed practice with the sound system. This ministry, among others, was a true joy for him.

Rex found his greatest pleasure in God, and the family that God blessed him with. His grandchildren – MaKenna, Tessa, Kelsey, Sara, Liz, Gianna, and Brent – have had many "memory making moments: with their PaPa. He will be extremely missed by his children – LaVonda Norcross, Craig Williams, and their respective spouses, Jody and Christine – are a living legacy for Rex. They, along with his wife, Judy, were Rex's biggest supporters. He is also survived by his mother, Betty King, of Eudora, KS, a brother, Larry Williams, of Lawrence, KS, two sisters, Hope Cundiff and Frances Dunavin, both of Eudora, KS. He was preceded in death by his father. The laughter, and the tears, will always bring smiles to the hearts of his favorite kids.

The family will greet friends from 7-9p.m. Wednesday, August 1st at Warren-McElwain Mortuary- Lawrence Chapel.

The family suggests memorials in his name to the Family Church of Lawrence and may be sent in care of the mortuary.

Online condolences may be sent to www.warrenmcelwain.com.

Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.