Larry Dale Williams

He was born August 29, 1942 in McLeansboro, IL to Clarence “Dale” and Ima “Jean” (Richardson) Williams both whom preceded him in death. He spent his formative years in Paxton, IL. He married Rhonda Rattenborg in Watseka, IL on July 16, 1966.

He leaves his wife of 44 years Rhonda (Rattenborg), daughter Stephanie (Andy Decker) and son Michael (Sandy Zygadto). He leaves four grandchildren: Kate, Emily, Justin and Megan. He has one sister Diane (and Gene Miller) residing in Sterling Heights, MI, a niece and nephew, 2 great nieces and 1 great nephew.

Larry retired from Caterpillar in 1996 after more than 25 years of service. He spent his retirement years doing the things he truly enjoyed. He was an avid trap shooter and a member of the Peoria Skeet and Trap Club serving as vice president prior to his illness. He was a founding member of the Collectors of Illinois Stoneware and Pottery serving in various capacities on the board of directors. Larry was a life time member of the Amateur Trapshooters Association, the Illinois Trapshooters Association, and the Illini Indians Trapshooters Association. Other groups that counted Larry among their memberships were the Pekin Bottle Collectors, FOHB (Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors), and the Mid-West Tool Collectors of America.

He lived his life with great joy in his family and many friends. Help celebrate that life at Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, July 5, 2010 for visitation and on Tuesday, July 6, 2010 at 11 a.m. for his funeral. Pastor Andy Decker will officiate.

A fitting memorial to Larry would be to give blood or platelets. This gift of life gave Larry nearly a year with family and friends that he otherwise would not have had.

View his life story at www.woolsey-wilton.com.