Wesley Ray Williams lived a long life filled with hard work, dedication and love for his family. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his pride in his family, and his appreciation for the simple pleasures in life.
Wesley was born in Wentzville, on April 26, 1934, to Wesley L. and Maggie Williams (nee Martin). He was baptized by Reverend Miessler on June 30, 1940, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wentzville. Confirmed by Reverend Blenester on April 26, 1959, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in New Melle, Missouri.
He worked on the family farm driving the tractors, using farm equipment such as cultivators and harrows at the age of 8. Wesley's education began in a one-room schoolhouse. In April 1948, his class consisted of just 5 students. He continued his education through correspondence courses, completing his high school studies through American School in Chicago and receiving his diploma on April 25, 1952. He also studied through the Interstate Training Service, Diesel, Tractor and Heavy Equipment Division, receiving his diploma on December 22, 1955.
Wesley married the love of his life, Laverne Webbink, on January 1, 1957, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in New Melle. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1956 and was honorably discharged January 1, 1963.
Wesley spent much of his working life in construction as a laborer for Gene Cokely Construction. Digging footings by hand for over 10 years, then moved up to a backhoe which he operated until his retirement. He had received his 65-year pin for being a member of Local 660 Laborers Union. Above all, he was a family man. He was so very proud of his family and all they had accomplished and where they were still headed. He loved them all so much!
He leaves behind his loving wife of almost 70 years, Laverne; 3 children, Joyce Rook (Bill), Robert (Terri), and Tom (Donna); 8 grandchildren, Amy (Mike), Matthew (Dawn), Nicole (Zach), Brittany Williams, Alexis Williams, Nick, Katie (Dustin), and, Ashley (Chris); 9 great-grandchildren, Dominic, Zachary, Kamden, Myles, Baker, 1 on the way, Kali, Aubrey, Colten, and Charlotte; Sister-in-law, Carolyn Schwede, nieces, nephew and cousins.
Wesley is preceded in death by his parents, Wesley L. and Maggie Williams; brothers-in-law, Kenneth Webbink and Roger Schwede; and his childhood pet, Buzzy.
Wesley found happiness in the simple things. In his later years, he especially enjoyed cutting the grass and driving around the farm on his John Deere tractor. One of his favorite places to be was sitting in his chair on the back porch, taking in the peacefulness of the outdoors and enjoying the view of the farm he loved. He didn't need much to be happy. The land, his family, and a comfortable chair on the back porch were some of life's greatest blessings to him. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories, hard work, love and family pride. He will be so deeply missed by his wife, children, great-grandchildren and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Though he is no longer sitting on his back porch or making his rounds on his tractor, the memories of those simple moments will live on in the hearts of those who loved him. His hands may have rested, but the love, memories, and legacy he leaves behind will live on forever. The very best husband, dad, grandpa, ggpa has received his angel wings. Fly high and enjoy that new John Deere tractor with the never-ending tank of fuel that was waiting for you!
Special thanks to Heath, Cody, Megan, Debbie and AJ aka "29" at the Cottages for going above and beyond! Memorials can be made in honor of Wesley to: St. Paul Cemetery Fund in care of Pitman Funeral Home.
A visitation will be held Thursday, November 5, from 2:30 P.M. to 7 P.M. at Pitman Funeral Home in Wentzville. A funeral service will be held Friday, November 6 at 10 A.M. at St. Paul Lutheran in New Melle.
