Warren McWilliams

Lloyd Warren McWilliams, age 87, a lifelong farmer of the rural Nashville/Asbury, Missouri area passed away November 22, 2013 at his home surrounded by his family.        Warren was born February 20, 1926 at Hannon, Missouri to Lloyd and Charlotte (Shedd) McWilliams.  He moved to Jasper County, Missouri with his parents and siblings in 1932 and attended Alba, Prairie Star and Mindenmines schools.  In his youth he enjoyed riding his bicycle long distances to play baseball and coached Farm Club and Little League baseball in the prime of his life.  As a young man, Warren worked for Cherry Produce in Pittsburg, Kansas and Dingman Farm Equipment in Lamar and his heart was always in farming.   He took great pride in the diversity of raising livestock and row cropping, and had a true passion for baling prairie hay.  He also enjoyed hunting and fishing and took great pleasure in following the many activities and achievements of his grandchildren.  Warren was a member of Nashville United Methodist Church and an honorary member of Carl Junction FFA.        On September 28, 1951, at Bentonville, Arkansas, Warren married his best friend, sweetheart, and love of his life, Geraldine Mae Dingman. They raised their two children, Mary Ellen and Elmer Lloyd, and had celebrated 58 years together before Geraldine's death May 30, 2010.  He was also preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Margaret Sisseck and Evelyn McClanahan; and a brother, Myron McWilliams.        Survivors include his children, Mary Ellen (Tim) Burnick of Arma, Kansas; and Elmer (Brenda) McWilliams of Asbury, Missouri; a granddaughter, Kara Burnick; two grandsons, Brad McWilliams and Benny McWilliams; a brother, Roy Gene McWilliams of Kansas City, Missouri; a sister, Dorothy (Leonard) Mansfield of Licking, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; and many friends.        Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at Daniel Funeral Home in Lamar where the family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday.  Burial will be in Nashville Cemetery.        Memorial contributions are suggested to Jasper County Youth Fair Building Fund, Friends of the Fair (Lamar Fair), Carl Junction FFA Alumni, or Nashville United Methodist Church, in care of the funeral home.