David Franklin Williams, 87, entered his eternal home with Jesus on May 28th after a valiant battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He was a beloved son, husband, sibling, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend who shall be greatly missed. David was born in Humboldt, KS to Bert Oliver and Esta Mae Williams on November 13, 1930.
He was the oldest of 5 children. He spent his childhood in Denver, Colorado, attended East High School and then Colorado State University. He was commissioned in the Air Force and married the love of his life, Frances L Kent.
He graduated pilot training and flew the F-86 in the Korean conflict. After separating from the Air force he was employed as a pilot with Trans World Airlines. He worked his entire 30 year career based in Kansas City and retired as a 727 captain.
He loved his job traveling, meeting people and eating out! Together Dave and Fran were active in politics and he served terms as a Deacon in their church. He loved to do crosswords, look at cars, yard work and to travel- driving or flying- which they did extensively.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Janis Ault and her husband Bob and his beloved wife Frannie. Still living are his sister, Dixie and her husband John Ehrenreich of Washington, their children Karen Lyman her children Grace, Thomas and Claire; their son John Ehrenreich; Jana Mae Ault, Jerry Ault and Mark Ault and their families; His brother Jack and his wife Cynthia Williams of California their children Kate, her son Kevin & their son Mike and his wife Kazue and son Jacob; and his youngest brother Steven Williams of Colorado. Frances’ family too was his-Her brother, Arthur D. Kent of Denver, CO and her sister Leslie Tripp and her husband Don of Centennial, CO and their 3 children: nephew Scott and Shawna Tripp and their children Alex and Zach; niece Danielle and husband John Lindblom and niece Stephanie and husband David Mogenson.
Dave and Frances were married 62 years and had 2 children; Their daughter, Dale and her husband Larry Hill of Kansas City, MO, Granddaughter Jesse and husband Retired Sgt First Class Travis Crutcher and Great Grandchildren: Levi, Riley, Maiti and Hannah currently of Ft Mitchel, AL; Son, David F. Williams Jr. and his wife Dr. Nancy Williams and Grandsons, David and Stephen of St. Louis, MO. It was of special pride to him that David followed in his footsteps into the Air Force and as a pilot with Trans World Airlines, now American Airlines. He was crazy about his whole family!
Last year, after being diagnosed with AML, he decided to participate in a Kansas University Cancer Trial at the KU Cancer Research Center. For eight months we became an appreciative part of that loving family- going twice a week for treatments. We want to thank the excellent nurses, aides, Dr. Linn and Stacy Anderson who made possible this “extra” time for us to be with our father.
You are amazing and ever etched in our hearts! We also want to thank the staff, residents and Pastor Mike at Linden Woods Village for their care and love. Your ministry to us was a blessing and created a wonderful home for us and our dad.
We also want to thank Pastor Clay Bowlin for his faithful friendship and encouragement. The last months of his life he treasured these verses in Philippians 1:20-21 “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain”.
David leaves a legacy of faith, love, courage, integrity and humor. In lieu of flowers it was his wish that donations be made to Northwest Bible Church, 6520 NW 64th Street, Kansas City, MO 64151 to further the work of Christ. His Celebration of Life will be held at 7:00pm, June 6th, 2018 at Northwest Bible Church.
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