Bennett James Williams of Harrisburg
HARRISBURG - Bennett James Williams, 92, of Litchfield, formerly of Harrisburg, passed away at 7:58 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018, in Heritage Health Therapy and Senior Care in Springfield after a brief illness.
Bennett was born Feb. 13, 1925, to Thomas and Marie (Maynard) Williams in Harrisburg.
He married Evanell Meler on April 2, 1946, and she preceded him in death on Dec. 24, 2009. They were married 63 years.
Bennett was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His family could always count on his love and support in all situations and will forever cherish the wonderful memories and lessons learned from him.
He and his family moved to Litchfield in January 1955. A lifelong coal miner, he worked at Crown I Mine in Farmersville until it closed in 1971 and then at Coffeen Mine until it closed in 1983. He was very active in United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) for over 70 years. He held several offices and was currently president of Compac (political action committee).
Bennett was a World War II veteran who served as a sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1943 to 1945. He spent 16 months overseas and served during the Pacific Theatre in the South Pacific in the Solomon Islands, Bougainville, New Hebrides and Samar, participating in air strikes against the enemy. He participated in the liberation of the Philippine Islands. He was honorably discharged on Nov. 16, 1945.
He joined the American Legion in 1945 and recently was awarded a certificate for 70 years of continuous service. He has served as commander, county commander, vice commander, finance officer and member of the color guard of Post 436. He also was a member of 40 et 8, VFW Post 3912 and Prairieland Leathernecks.
Bennett was an alderman for the city of Litchfield for 16 years (1967-1983) and mayor pro-tem for six months. During his tenure, he was chairman of the fire and lake departments. He brought the lack of a sewer system in South Litchfield to the attention of state officials and worked with them and Litchfield mayors to get state funds appropriated to correct inadequate and, in some instances, totally absent sewage systems.
While alderman, he also championed the need for an industrial park in order to bring in sales tax revenue for the city. This was also accomplished during his tenure. While chairman of the lake department, he sought and obtained grants for boat docks and concrete ramps at Lake Lou Yaeger. And, while chairman of the fire department, he was instrumental in purchasing the Jaws of Life and other safety equipment.
Bennett was a member of the Economic Development Council for over 30 years and is now an emeritus member. He served as president of Litchfield Red Cross Chapter for 10 years and coordinated blood drives with his wife, Evanell.
He was very active in Democratic politics. He assisted, chaired, co-chaired and supported many political campaigns.
Bennett was an avid outdoorsman. He traveled all over the U.S. and Canada hunting, fishing, whitewater rafting and skiing. He loved working on his garden, growing vegetable and flowers, and he also took great pride in his home and landscape.
He was a member of St. Timothy United Methodist Church, Litchfield Moose Lodge 1634 and Disabled Veterans.
Survivors include his daughter, Sandra Klein of Petersburg; son, James Gregory (Susan) Williams of Litchfield; grandchildren, Benjamin Colt Fletcher of Springfield and Haley Marie Williams of Litchfield; great-grandson, Thomas James Abner of Petersburg; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 26, in Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield. The Rev. James Tinzmann of St. Timothy United Methodist Church and the Rev. Cassie Sexton-Riggs of Union Avenue Christian Church in Litchfield will officiate. Burial will be in Edgewood Cemetery in Litchfield. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25, at the funeral home.
The family suggests memorials to Litchfield Veterans' Memorial Garden Fund or Montgomery County Cancer Association.
For more information, to light a candle or sign the online guest book, visit www.plummerfuneralservices.com.