Charles Bud E. Williams

CHARLES EDWARD "BUD" WILLIAMS, 77, of Fort Wayne, died on Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2011, at VNHH, as a result of cancer. Born Feb. 15, 1934, in St. Louis, Mo., he was the son of John and Eva Williams. He married Ruby Hunter on Oct. 21, 1958. Throughout his career, he directed several rescue missions in downtown St. Louis and Fort Wayne, and pastored two churches. He was a car enthusiast, savored every bite of gourmet food, loved explaining the history behind antiques and evolving architecture, got a kick out of TV judges, jumped at the chance to take his kids and grandkids to get ice cream, took pride in his book collection and knowledge of unique words, and admiring the stunts of professional wrestlers. He cherished every moment spent with his family, could make a friend out of anyone, and knew the alchemy of turning tears into laughter. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Ruby Williams; children, Nancy (David) Wines, Karen (Andy) Beckmann, Chuck Williams, Denise (Kirt) Daenens, and Jen (Chris) Shank; and grandchildren, Eddie, Ben, Aleena, Kerisa, Keenan, Cesi, Rylan, Oliver, and Gabriel. Funeral service is 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 5, 2011 at C.M. Sloan & Sons Funeral Home, 1327 Wells St. Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m. today, Aug. 4, 2011, at the funeral home. Burial is 1 p.m. Friday at Marion National Cemetery. Memorial donations may be sent to Loaves & Fishes, 2750 McKelvey Road, Maryland Heights, MO 63043.