Marion M. Williams

Marion M. Williams of Albany, formerly of Salem, age 90 years, passed away Friday, November 19, 2010 from complications of diabetes. Marion was born the third of nine children in Wishek, North Dakota to Tully and Lovie Williams. The family farmed their homestead until 1934 when, during the Depression, they moved to Bandon, OR. The family witnessed the fierce forest fire in September 1936 that devastated the town. Marion joined the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937 and was stationed at Reedsport, OR. It was here that he made many life-long friendships and developed an enthusiasm for the outdoors. He especially loved hunting, fishing and boating.

Marion enlisted in the Army in 1940 and his first duty station was Schofield Barracks Army post in Honolulu. He was involved in the response to the first wave of enemy planes over Wheeler Field during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Shortly after the war began, Marion’s unit was transferred and he served on other islands in the South Pacific. He saw action on Fanning Island, the Island of Leyte and finally on Luzon in the Philippines where he was wounded.

After his discharge in 1945, Marion returned to Oregon to relax and spend time with family. He eventually returned to the Willamette Valley, settling in Independence. It was here that he began an apprenticeship as a meat cutter, a career that lasted 30 years. In 1952, Marion married Jane Marie Fowler, a co-worker at the State Street Market in Salem. They raised their four children in Salem then moved to Lincoln City in 1975. After nine years on the coast, Jane and Marion moved back to the valley in 1984. They managed a mobile home park in Albany, OR until Marion’s second retirement in 1997.

Marion became a Master Mason on April 26, 1950 in Lyon Lodge #29 in Independence, OR. He affiliated with Vista Masonic Lodge #215 on April 6, 1954 as a charter member. He was Worshipful Master in 1993 at Vista, and an Honorary Past Master of Jefferson #33, Mollala #178, St. John's #17, and Shedd Lodge. In 2004, he was bestowed the Hiram Award for outstanding service and leadership. He was a 60-year member of the fraternity and a life member. He held a lifetime ritual proficiency card, helping, coaching and inspiring many with his ritual work.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Jane Marie Williams of Albany, daughter, Patricia Johnson and her husband Doug of Salem, sons, Sam Williams and his wife Kary Addison of Edmonds, WA, Warren Williams of Anchorage, AK, and Marcus Williams and wife Grace, of Canby, OR. Grandchildren include Zachary, Pierce, and Logan Williams of Portland, OR, Lauren and Brynn Williams of Edmonds, WA, and Kirsten and Astrid Williams of Anchorage, AK. Marion has many beloved in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.

His was a life well lived. We miss him and will always remember him with loving thoughts.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Serenity Hospice, Salem, OR.

Visitation at Howell-Edwards-Doerksen Chapel of the Gardens on Saturday, November 27, 2010 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 27 at the Salem Scottish Rite Center, 4090 Commercial St. SE, Salem. Luncheon immediately following. Private interment at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, OR