John D. Williams

John D. Williams, 85, of Springfield, passed away at 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at Heritage Health. John was born on March 7, 1932 in Cadoxton-Barry, South Wales UK, the son of Arthur Felix and Evelyn Helen Allman Williams. He married Rosemary A. May on October 18th, 1969 in Chicago; she preceded him in death. John was a Lieutenant in the British Army. He was a University of Illinois graduate and attended law school at DePaul University in Chicago. John retired from the EPA in 2000 after twenty-three years of service. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the Bishop Griffin Assembly, #0201, 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, Elks Lodge #158, and Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 437. He was also active in the Special Olympics and Scouting. John was an avid reader and enjoyed learning new things. He was always up to date on current political events. He was also preceded in death by his son, Michael John Williams; parents; and one sister, Maureen Felix-Williams. He is survived by his son, Robert John Williams of Springfield; two grandchildren, Evan Michael and Jaicie Rose Williams of Morton, IL; one daughter-in-law, Laurie Williams of Morton; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 21, 2017 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service. The Bishop Griffin Assembly, 4th Degree Knights of Columbus will provide an honor guard during the visitation. Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 2000 East Sangamon Avenue, Springfield with Rev. Clinton Honkomp, OP, celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Special Olympics, Area 17, 900 Christopher Lane, Suite 7, Springfield, IL 62712 or SPARC, One SPARCenter, 232 Bruns Lane, Springfield, IL 62702.