Caledonia Argus

Posted: 4/29/04

Samuel Williams Jr.

Samuel Glen Williams Jr., 69, of Money Creek, MN, died Wednesday, April 28, 2004 at his home.

Sam was born on June 2, 1934, to Glen and Hester Williams in Wayne County, Iowa, he grew up in Promise City, Iowa. On September 6, 1953, he married Janet Bonnett of Chariton, Iowa. To this union two sons were born.

After graduating from Corydon High School, he began his life-long career in the telephone industry along with some continuing higher education. Beginning with Northwestern Bell of Iowa in 1952, he then served 2 years in the U.S. Army. He spent 3 years with Iowa State Telephone before moving to North West Telephone of Tomah, Wis.

From there he moved into management and became General Manager of Cencom, Inc. based in Rushford, this was a holding company with many locations and he served Minnesota, Wisconsin, Canada and Alaska companies. Sam left Cencom in 1978, he spent the rest of his career with Contel of Iowa and Contel of Arkansas. His career spanned 43 years plus five years part-time for Marion Enterprises of Marion, Iowa, covering many aspects of the telephone business.

He was a member of Jaycees and Lions in several places, a member, worker and Sunday School Teacher in the Methodist Church. Upon retiring back to Minnesota in 1995, he joined the Presbyterian Church in Rushford.

Sam loved working in the yard and garden, was an avid hunter and fisherman, played softball, golfed and bowled. His passion for country music spanned over 50 years, played guitar, had an excellent voice and entertained at every opportunity.

Survivors include his wife Janet; sons Bradley James (Lorraine), Houston, and Bruce Glen (Melanie) of Rushford; three granddaughters; one great-granddaughter; one sister, Barb Fetters, Promise City, Iowa; one brother, Jerry Williams, Gordon, Iowa; sister-in-law Liz Bonnett, LaCrosse, WI; brother-in-law, George (Judy) Bonnett, Witchita Falls, Texas; and many nieces and nephews in Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Twyla Smith and a brother-in-law, Dwight Fetters.

Services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 3, at the Randolph Funeral Home in Corydon, Iowa with the Rev. Robert Drier officiating. Burial will be in the Corydon Cemetery in Corydon. Friends may call from 4-7:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 1, at Hoff Funeral Homes ñ Houston Chapel in Houston, and one hour prior to the service at the Randolph Funeral Home in Corydon on Monday.

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