Franklin Dale Williams, 81, of Ava, MO, passed away on January 2, 2025. His life was a testament to dedication, hard work, and unwavering love for his family and the land he called home. The Williams Century Farm, settled by his great-grandparents in 1899, the place he was born on February 1, 1943, and the place where he and his wife of more than 40 years, Mary Sheehan Williams, welcomed countless friends and family. They shared a love of family, faith, horse riding, and life on the farm.
In addition to his beloved wife Mary, Frank is survived by five daughters, one son, and their children. Frank was the proud father of Debi (Reed) Nixon [Kansas City, MO], Denise (Chad) Olson [Aurora, MO], Dana (Heath) Soehn [Gatlinburg, TN], Jeanna (Danny) Humble [Ozark, MO], Jessica LaBelle [Springfield, MO], Jason (Felicia) Williams [Rogersville, MO]; eighteen grandchildren; and ten great grandchildren (soon to be 11) whose lives he enriched with a strong sense of family values, walks on the farm, endless pony rides, time at the creek, and homemade ice cream. Frank also leaves behind his brother Steve Williams and countless extended family members and friends.
Frank grew up in Kansas City, KS graduating from Washington High School in 1961, but returned to the Ozarks to attend college in Springfield where he became a dedicated teacher, retiring after serving 30+ years in area schools. He proudly served as the Cooperative Education Coordinator and mentored countless students as the DECA sponsor at state and national competitions in Hartville, Aurora, and Springfield. Frank’s favorite pastime was riding horses which he enjoyed with Mary, family, and their Douglas County Foxtrotters group. Frank also loved researching family history, traveling to see his children and grandchildren, and attending church services and family gatherings.
Throughout his long life, Frank remained steadfast in his faith, his love for his family, and his commitment to life on the farm. He was known for his stories of simpler times and proudly sharing all the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. Frank also had many friends who were like family. There were no strangers at the Williams family table. His heart and home were always open. Frank was a pillar of strength, a source of wisdom with many famous “Frankisms”, consummate storyteller, and an example of a life well-lived. His absence leaves an unfillable void, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home in Ava, MO. A celebration of life will then be held on Thursday, January 9 at 11:00 a.m. at the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home with a graveside service to follow at the Ava Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest near his parents, Dale and Venita Williams, and his grandparents, John and Gertie Williams. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to ALS in honor of Frank’s father Dale Williams, Fannon Cemetery Association, or a charity of your choice.
Franklin Dale Williams will forever be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather; a friend to all; and a faithful steward of the Williams Century Farm that he preserved for future generations to enjoy and thrive. His life, like the farm he nurtured, was rich, full, and enduring.
Online condolences may be made to www.clinkingbeardfuneralhome.com.
