Robert F. Williams

Robert Franklin "Bob" Williams, 82, of Topeka, passed away on Sunday, November 13, 2005 at Midland Hospice House. Robert was born on September 26, 1923 in Topeka, the eldest son of Dwight Franklin and Cora Etta Johnson Williams. Robert was graduated from Topeka High School and Washburn University. Mr. Williams was employed at Topeka State Hospital for thirteen years, the Topeka Postal Service for twenty-six years and the Santa Fe Railroad for sixteen years. Mr. Williams enlisted in the United States Army on July 10, 1943 and was honorably discharged on February 15, 1946. He received a Good Commendation Medal at the time of discharge. He married Zephyr Lila Law on September 24, 1949 in Topeka. The couple later divorced in January of 1976. She survives. Mr. Williams in survived by five children from this marriage: Sharon M. Steele and her husband Andrew, Preston R. Williams and his wife, Nadine, Dorsalene Boyd and her husband, Roosevelt and Dwight Williams. Mr. Williams was preceded in death by one son, Mervin N. Williams in 1999. Mr. Williams later remarried to Emma Cuizon on May 25, 1988 in Manila, Phillipines. She survives. Other survivors include numerous in-laws, grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Mr. Williams was a notary public for twenty-five years, completing income tax returns for numerous community members. He was a fast-pitch softball pitcher for Morrell Packing Company in the 1940's and 1950's and was a past union president for the postal service workers. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday in the Garden Chapel at Topeka Cemetery. Burial will follow. Mr. Williams will lie in state after 4:00 p.m. Wednesday at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel where the family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 Wednesday evening. Memorial contributions may be given to Midland Hospice Care, 200 S.W. Frazier Circle, Topeka, Kansas 66606.