Haydn Lowell Williams

Haydn Lowell Williams, 79, of rural Van Wert, went to be with the Lord Monday, August 3, 2015, at St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

He was born December 25, 1935, in York Township, to Starley E. (Marsh) Williams and David Luther Williams, who both preceded him in death. On March 29, 1957, he married Loretta A. (Huffine) Williams, who survives.

Other survivors include three sons, Rick (Carol) Williams of Van Wert, Mick (Mary Ann) Williams of Leavenworth, Kansas, and Nick (Lori) Williams of Van Wert; a daughter, Lori (Michael) Shea of Orlando, Florida; 15 grandchildren, Katie Williams, Allison (Chuck) Youtsey, Evan Williams, Ben Williams, Hannah Williams, Elizabeth Williams, Mickayla Williams, Kelbi (Todd) Osting, Shane Williams, Kyle Williams, Alana Williams, Madison Williams, Kiera Shea, Regan Shea and Colton Shea; a sister, Janet (Byron) Mohr and one sister-in-law, Debra (Robert) Yoxthimer.

Haydn loved his calling as a farmer in Van Wert County. He treasured being with family, camping, riding his motorcycle, carving and spending winters in Florida for the past 22 years. He was a member of Salem Presbyterian Church in Venedocia, where he served as a trustee and Sunday school superintendent. He was a member of the Van Wert Fair Board (Agricultural Society) Farm Focus, Lincolnview Young Farmers, Van Wert County Plowing Association, American Legion and Venedocia Lions Club. He served in the United States Army.

He will be remembered as a person of integrity and capable of getting any job done to help others. He was a steward of the soil and loved teaching others his passion for the farm.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 7, at Salem Presbyterian Church, with the Revs. Tom Emery and Paul W. Miller officiating. Burial will be in Venedocia Cemetery, with graveside military honors performed by American Legion Post 178 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5803, both of Van Wert.

Calling hours are from 3-8 p.m. Thursday, August 6, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert.

Preferred memorials: Lincolnview Bible Board, Children Choosing Christ Fair Ministry, Gideons International or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.