Tommy Williams

Tommy Leroy Williams, age 77, of Lamar, passed away Thursday, October 29, 2015 at his home following a long illness.      Tommy was born September 9, 1938 at Smithville, Missouri, the youngest of the three sons of Allen and Rosa (Tate) Williams.  He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers and a sister-in-law, Woody & Wanda Williams and O.J. Williams; and his parents-in-law, Harold & Lorna Babcock.      Survivors include his wife and closest friend for more than 35 years, Clara (Babcock) Williams, of the home; a son, Rusty (Debbie) Rawlings, Jerico Springs; a daughter, Amber (Derek Merando) Williams, Pittsburg, Kansas; four grandchildren, Justin Rawlings, Jennifer Rawlings, Kolby Bevins, and Kaden Merando; two nephews, David Williams and Steven Williams; three nieces, Pat Burr, Linda Franklin, and Juanita Boyd; several great-nephews and great-nieces; and dear friends, Kim & Connie Roehrs  & family.      In addition to farming in the Verdella/Bluff Chapel area, Tommy had worked at O’Sullivan Industries for 25 years, retiring in 2001.  An ideal day for Tommy would include horse-back riding, preferably on his favorite steed, Blaze.  He enjoyed fishing and camping trips with Clara, often to Branson.  They were great travel companions, sharing adventures and making vacation memories.  Tommy was a league bowler for many years and a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan.  The Royals could also count on Tommy to cheer them on unless, of course, they were playing the Cards.  His football favorites were the Rams and Chiefs and he followed them faithfully.  Tommy was a quiet man of many interests and talents, but his first priority was always his family and spending time with any and all of them.      A graveside funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 3rd, at Memory Gardens Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time Tuesday at Daniel Funeral Home.      Memorial contributions are suggested to Disabled American Veterans in care of the funeral home.