Obituaries

Stephen L. Williams

Photo of Stephen  L.  Williams
Mr. Stephen Linn Williams, age 64, of Tebbetts, Mo., passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2021, at Northwest Heath Hospital in Indiana. Steve was born on August 7, 1956, in Columbia, Mo., a son of Richard Sr. and Faye (Wolfe) Williams. He was married on June 24, 1978, in Valparaiso, In. to Becky (Kutch) Williams who survives at the home. A lifelong resident of the Central Missouri area, Steve was a 1974 graduate of Hickman High School. After graduation, Steve enlisted in the United States Navy where he worked as a medic from 1974 until 1978. When he returned to civilian life, Steve graduated from Lincoln University with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a minor in Computer Science/Information Technologies. Steve worked for the State of Missouri in the Information Technology department until his retirement. After retiring from the state, he began working for IBM as a Supervisor in the Information Technology department. From the time his kids were young, Steve and his sons were very active in the community. He was passionate about being an integrated part of all activities his boys were involved in and even took it upon himself to include a few neighborhood kids as well. He was also a member of the Sunrise Optimist Club. Steve loved exploring the world. He was in his element anytime he could load up the family and get behind the wheel to embark on a memorable road trip. Over the years, Steve was the voyage captain on family excursions all over the nation. He found solace in water of all types and was especially fond of trips to the ocean. He was calmed by the aroma of the salty sea, the sound of waves crashing against the shore and the feeling of sand under his feet. Steve had a keen sense of humor and found his value in other people's happiness; his mission was truly to spread joy and improve the lives of other people. He enjoyed playing cards, going to swap meets, and hosting family BBQs. He had an unmatched work ethic, and many of the people who worked under him looked up to him as a role model. Steve liked watching sports, and he rarely missed watching a Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs or Mizzou event. If a book was written on how to be a great dad, Steve would be the author. He was simply the very best. When they were young, he coached his boys' teams and became their cub scout leader. As they grew older and developed their own individual interests, Steve was committed to making sure they had the access and ability to follow the path they had chosen for themselves with dedication. He never judged or discouraged interests and went out of his way to show his support in anything his sons were passionate about. Steve's loving, helpful, and accepting heart perfectly equipped him to play the role of "father figure" to far more than his two sons. His ripple effect reached much farther than he even knew himself. He believed in allowing kids the freedom to pave their own way while teaching them the tools they need to succeed and his boys, as well as many of their friends, are better men for having him in their corner. Survivors include: his loving wife, Becky; two sons, Scott Williams (Janelle) and Eric Williams (Kendall); and four siblings, Richard Williams Jr., Tammy Bentage (Bill), Connie Williams, and Mark Williams (Tammy); and one grandchild, Ashton Stratman. Steve was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be at Freeman Mortuary from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. Sunday, June 6, 2021, with a Celebration of Life including military honors following at 3:00 p.m. in the Freeman Chapel. Family and friends are invited for a dinner at the North Jefferson City pavilion following the service. A webcast of the service will begin at 3:00 p.m. Sunday for friends that are not able to attend by going to his memorial page on Freeman Mortuary's website. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com

Published June 6, 2021