Harold Calvin Williams, 86, of Mt. Vernon died 7:40 a.m. Wednesday April 1, 2009, at his home.

He was born January 19, 1923, in Jefferson County, the son of James Calvin and Margery Pauline (Williamson) Williams.

He married Doris Cook on July 10, 1945; she survives in Mt. Vernon.

Calvin was a lifelong resident of Jefferson County. He worked for the U. S. Postal Service for 32 years. Calvin also dedicated 40 years of his life to military service. A recipient of the Purple Heart, he served in WW II and the Korean Conflict. He was twice elected commander of the American Legion and was also selected Legionnaire of the year. He was the Business Manager for the American Legion's Baseball Program for 16 years with more than 400 Jefferson County youth participating. Calvin was one of the organizers of an Amvet Post which was selected as the outstanding Amvet Post in the United States. He served as a member of the Legion's Military Funeral Detail, was a school board member and 4-H Leader. As you look at the life Calvin led, you will see a life of service to many.

Calvin was named into the Senior Saints Hall of Fame in 2002. He was also a member of the Central Christian Church in Mt. Vernon.

He is survived by his wife Doris Williams of Mt. Vernon; one son, Doug Williams and wife Jo of Mt. Vernon; one daughter, Cheryl and husband Larry Barker of Mt. Vernon; four granddaughters, Kim and husband Jeff Aspelmeier of Radford, Virginia; Julie and husband Craig Kujawa of Mt. Vernon; Kit and husband Dan Sheets of Fenton, Missouri; Lori and husband Todd Ringel of Salem; also five great grandchildren Keatyn, Kelby, Quinton, and Calan Kujawa and Leala Jane Sheets. Calvin was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great- grandfather.

Calvin was preceded in death by his parents and one brother Howard K. Williams.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p. m. Saturday April 4, 2009 at Newell Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon with Mr. J. Howard Kraps officiating. Interment will follow at Williams Cemetery in rural Mt. Vernon with military rites provided by American Legion Post 141 of Mt. Vernon. Visitation will be held on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. Newell Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to Williams Cemetery Association or American Legion Post # 141 Baseball Program and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Source: Mt. Vernon Register News
Date: April 2009