Esker Williams

Born August 1, 1928, in Jefferson, Ohio, Esker was the son of Opal Curtis Williams and Lester Roosevelt Williams. He married Molly Ann Cogan on May 5, 1947 and they resided in Jefferson, where they reared their children.

Esker worked for Cozier Container in Jefferson for many years before owning Williams Towing and Salvage. He owned and drove stock cars, competing at Jefferson Fair Grounds in the early 1950’s with his car #777. He also enjoyed playing softball at Memorial Field as he pitched for Cozier Men’s Team. Bowling at Jefferson Lanes, spending time with family and friends and his church were highlights for him.

He was a member of Jefferson Nazarene Church where he served on the Church Board, taught junior high boys Sunday school classes and pitched for the church’s softball team.

Esker is survived by his children, Lester (Karen), Judy (Bert) Tolle, Larry (Joi), Frank (Patty), Matthew (Amber), all of Oklahoma; sisters and brothers, Alpha Parmley of Ashtabula, Roy of Georgia, Ronnie (Anna) of North Carolina, Kathie (Tom) Watts of Jefferson; sister-in-law, Joy Cogan Wilson of Jefferson; 11 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; daughter, Marlene Marie Williams; granddaughter, Beth Williams; and his brother, Robert Leslie Williams.