Bennett James Williams, 92, of Litchfield, died on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018, at 7:58 a.m. at Heritage Health Therapy and Senior Care in Springfield, after a brief illness.
Visitation will be held Thursday, Jan. 25, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield. Funeral services will be held Friday, Jan. 26, beginning at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. James Tinzmann, of St. Timothy United Methodist Church, and the Rev. Cassie Sexton-Riggs, of Union Avenue Christian Church in Litchfield, co-officiating. Burial will follow at Edgewood Cemetery in Litchfield.
Mr. Williams was born on Feb. 13, 1925, in Harrisburg, to Thomas and Marie (Maynard) Williams. He married Evanell Meler on April 2, 1946, and she preceded him in death on Dec. 24, 2009.
He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His family could always count on his love and support in any and all situations, and will forever cherish the wonderful memories and lessons learned from him.
Mr. Williams and his family moved to Litchfield in January 1955. A lifelong coalminer, he worked at Crown I Mine in Farmersville until it closed in 1971, and went on to work at Coffeen Mine until its closing in 1983.
He was very active in the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) for over 70 years. He held offices and was currently president of Compac (political action committee).
Mr. Williams was also very active in Democratic politics, and assisted, chaired, co-chaired and supported many political campaigns.
He was a WWII veteran, serving as a sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1943 to 1945. He spent 16 months overseas, and served and participated in air strikes during the Pacific Theatre in the South Pacific in the Solomon Islands, Bougainville, New Hebrides and Samar. He was honorably discharge on Nov. 16, 1945.
Mr. Williams joined the American Legion in 1945, and was recently awarded a certificate for 70 years of continuous service. He served as commander, county commander and vice commander finance officer. He was also a member of the Color Guard of Post #436, member of 40 et 8, VFW Post #3912 and Prairieland Leathernecks.
He was an alderman for the city of Litchfield for 16 years, from 1967 to 1983, and mayor pro-tem for six months. During his tenure, he was chairman of the fire and lake departments.
He brought the lack of a sewer system in South Litchfield to the attention of state officials, and worked with them and the city mayors to get state funds appropriated to correct inadequate, and in some instances totally absent, sewage systems.
While alderman, he also championed the need for an industrial park in order to bring in sales tax revenue for the city, which was accomplished during his tenure.
While chairman of the lake department, he sought and obtained grants for boat docks and concrete ramps at Lake Lou Yaeger. During his tenure as chairman of the fire department, he was instrumental in purchasing the Jaws of Life and other safety equipment.
Mr. Williams was a member of the Economic Development Council for over 30 years and was an emeritus member. He also served as president of the Litchfield Red Cross Chapter for ten years, and coordinated blood drives with his wife.
He was an avid outdoorsman, and traveled all over the U.S. and Canada to hunt, fish, white water raft and ski. He loved working on his garden, growing vegetables and flowers, and took great pride in his home and landscape.
Mr. Williams was a member of the St. Timothy United Methodist Church, Litchfield Moose Lodge #1634 and Disabled Veterans.
He is survived by a daughter, Sandra Klein of Petersburg; a son, James Gregory (Susan) Williams of Litchfield; grandchildren, Benjamin Colt Fletcher of Springfield and Haley Marie Williams of Litchfield; great-grandson, Thomas James Abner of Petersburg; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to his wife of 63 years, he was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials may be directed to the Litchfield Veterans' Memorial Garden Fund or the Montgomery County Cancer Association.
For more information, to light a candle or sign the online guestbook, please visit www.plummerfuneralservices.com.
