Gene and Sarah Williams

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Gene Olen Williams, 75, of Osawatomie passed away September 29, 2021. He was born on January 15, 1946 in Webster County, Missouri to the late Lawney Williams and Opal (Cantrell) Williams.

Family was a central component of Gene’s life. His home was the hub of every family holiday with Christmas his favorite. Gene enjoyed watching his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids open gifts. He loved reading and old western movies, especially John Wayne movies. Gene could often be found working on cars on the weekends, first with his uncles, later with his brother and brothers-in-law, and finally with his kids. Many of those same weekends would find him playing cards with family into the evening hours enjoying friendly competition and sharing stories. Gene also appreciated spending time at the lake, camping and cookouts.

Early in his career, Gene lived in Ava, MO and ran a milk route which he dearly loved. Later, he moved back to Kansas and engaged in building concrete foundations for homes. Much as he was the foundation on which his family rested, thousands of homes in our community rest on the work from his career. During his long career, he also owned and operated Williams Foundations working with his sons.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents and three children: Phyllis Marks, Phillip Marks and Michelle Marks.

He is survived by his wife, Sarah Williams; children: Geno Marks, Gene Williams, Jr, David Williams, Michele Williams, Larry Williams, Chris Williams and wife Michele, and Danica Williams; brother, Jerry Williams; sisters: Darlene Parker and husband Ed and Jane Most and husband Lannie; 23 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren; and the mother of his children, Patricia Williams.

There will be a gathering on October 23, 2021 from 3:00pm to 5:30pm with memorial service to follow at 5:30pm at the McGilley and Frye Funeral Home, 105 E Loula St., Olathe, KS 66061.

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Sarah Mae Williams, 76, of Osawatomie passed away October 14, 2021. She was born on August 10, 1945 in Kansas City, Missouri to the late Daniel Lee Ridge and Cora Mae (Barton) Ridge.

Family was a central component of Sarah’s life. Her home was the hub of every family holiday with Christmas her favorite. Sarah enjoyed watching her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids open gifts. She was the youngest of three children. Sarah loved Crossword puzzles, Trivia games and Trivia game shows. Sarah enjoyed spending time camping at the lake with family and friends.

Sarah worked at Hi-Line plastic when she met Gene Williams. When she married Gene she became a housewife. Sarah was famous for her pumpkin pie and potato salad.

Sarah is preceded in death by her parents and three children: Phyllis Marks, Phillip Marks and Michelle Marks.

She is survived by her children: Geno Marks, Gene Williams, Jr, David Williams, Michele Williams, Larry Williams, Chris Williams and wife Michele, and Danica Williams; 23 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.

There will be a gathering on October 23, 2021 from 3:00pm to 5:30pm with memorial service to follow at 5:30pm at the McGilley and Frye Funeral Home, 105 E Loula St., Olathe, KS 66061.