Robert Manford Williams

Robert “Bob” M. Williams, 88, of Davenport passed away peacefully at home Tuesday, May 2, 2017. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 6, 2017 in the Runge Mortuary Chapel with a Masonic Service. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Friday at the mortuary. Following the funeral burial will be in Davenport Memorial Park Cemetery with military honors. Memorials may be left to first Baptist Church, Davenport. Online condolences can be expressed at www.rungemortuary.com. Bob was born on September 17, 1928 in Desdemona, TX, the son of Marion Clinton and Thelma (Paterson) Williams. Shortly after graduation from Bay City High School Bob joined the US Air Force and served three years at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX. After discharge form this tour of duty he attended Ranger Jr. College, then in 1950 he returned to serve another four years in the US Air Force. Bob was united in marriage to Dora Jean Gafner on May 2, 1951 in Ranger, TX. The couple was blessed with four sons. Bob was employed as an Electrical Engineer, working for many companies which took him to several states, as well as many foreign countries. After his retirement in 2004, Bob and Dodie settled in Davenport, IA. Bob enjoyed working several years at Dick’s Sporting Goods, Davenport, until ill health caused him to retire again in 2013. Through the years, Bob enjoyed hunting and fishing. The family went on many camping adventures where Bob always showed his love and patience as he baited hooks and untangled lines for the boys. Bob was a faithful member of First Baptist Church, Davenport, where he enjoyed worshipping God and the love and fellowship of his church family. Bob was also a member of Masonic Fraternal Lodge 221 in Davenport and a lifetime member of Greenville Lodge 335 in Greenville, TX. Those left to honor his memory include his loving wife of 66 years, Dodie; sons: Richard (Rose), Placios, TX, Stephen (Monica), Corpus Christy, TX, Robert (Sharon), Davenport and Scott Williams, Muncie, IN; six grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren; one sister, Billy Whitt, Beaumont, TX. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a sister, Pat Cole. The family would like to thank the kind and loving Genesis visiting nurses and the Genesis Hospice nurses for the special care they gave Bob during his illness and last days.