Kenneth Walter Williams, 100, of Hillsboro, died on Friday, March 1, 2024, at 12:09 a.m. at Tremont Ridge Assisted Living in Hillsboro, just short of his 101st birthday.
Visitation will be held Saturday, March 23, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Bass Patton Dean Funeral Home in Hillsboro, with the funeral service to follow at 11 a.m. The Rev. Breck Nelson, pastor of First Baptist Church in Hillsboro, will officiate. The Rev. Ralph Ward will offer a prayer. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery in Hillsboro. Military Rites will be accorded at his graveside.
Mr. Williams was born March 28, 1923 to the late Tom and Emma Williams. He lived most of his childhood in Schram City. He married the love of his life, the late Elaine (Hornback), and they were married for 71 years, living in Hillsboro.
Mr. Williams was a WWII and Korean War Veteran, serving his country in Italy, Africa, Philippines and Japan. He served alongside his late brother, Darwin “Bill” Williams. Mr. Williams then spent his entire career in the United States Post Office. He began as a Hillsboro Walking Post Carrier, walking 16 miles a day before Post Office trucks being instituted. He was also instrumental in the formation of the Rural Carrier’s Union. He retired from the post office in 1979 after 40 years of service. Mr. Williams enjoyed being a snowbird to Florida for many years. He was also instrumental in the formation of little league baseball in Hillsboro, where he was the coach of the Yanks for over 20 years. He was also an avid baseball fan and loved the Chicago Cubs.
Well-known and accomplished golfer, Mr. Williams had been a member of the Hillsboro Country Club since 1966 and he wanted to golf to the very end, even though the last few years his legs said ‘no’. One of his most impressive accomplishments occurred in July of 2018. With a heat index of 110 degrees, Mr. Williams, at age 95, was able to shoot a 36 (even par) on the Hillsboro Country Club golf course, leading to a congratulatory article in The Journal-News.
Mr. Williams was a long time member and very active in the First Baptist Church, and one could always find him volunteering for Meals on Wheels and many other organizations in town. He belonged to Moose Lodge in Hillsboro.
He was loved and respected for his jovial disposition by all who knew him and was known for maintaining an uplifting attitude through any difficult situation that may have happened in his life. He was loved by everyone and never knew a stranger. Mr. Williams was a beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was not only a talented golfer, who could be found on the golf course almost every day, but a delight to be around. He would meet his buddies at McDonald’s and then they would head to the golf course to play a round or two of golf. He was always ready to play, and win or lose, he maintained that pleasant smile. All will sorely miss him.
Mr. Williams was preceded in death by his late wife, Elaine (Hornback), and brother Darwin “Bill”.
Mr. Williams is survived by his son, Mark (Barbara) Williams of Gig Harbor, WA; grandson Brian (Shelby) Williams of Gig Harbor, WA; and his beloved great-granddaughter Rachel Williams, of Priest River, ID, who he adored, all of whom loved him and will miss his presence in their lives.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to First Baptist Church in Hillsboro.
