1934
Roger
2017
Roger J. Williams
December 20, 1934 — August 31, 2017
Williams, Roger J. Sr.
Passed away on August 31, 2017. Roger was born on December 20, 1934, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the son of Jay and Dorothy (Beaton) Williams. He grew up in the Oakwood neighborhood. One of his first jobs was delivering the Kalamazoo Gazette. Roger attended the Kalamazoo Public Schools. At the age of 16 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was a welder on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Wasp (CUA'18) during the Korean Conflict. Roger was awarded the Navy Good Conduct Medal, the Navy Occupation Medal Clasp, China Service Medal (extended), National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Korea War Service Medal, and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation. Due to his military experience his high school diploma from the Kalamazoo Public Schools. In 2012, Congressman Fred Upton presented Roger with his medals. He followed in his father's footsteps by driving a bus. Roger started driving a bus for National City. He then worked for the city of Kalamazoo as a coach/operator for Metro Transit. He was a member of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1093. He was also a member of the city of Kalamazoo United Retired Governmental Employees. In 1987, Roger was named Driver of the Year. He was also employed by Band B Trucking and Senior Services. Roger was married to Sonia M. Williams, and out of this union they had five sons: Roger II, Greg, Ken, Gary, and Steve. This marriage ended in divorce. He later married Judith Carlsen Jones while they both worked for Metro Transit. This marriage ended in divorce. In 2004, Roger married Susan M. Christianson and she passed away on February 18, 2012. He is survived by his children: Roger II and Lolly Williams of Portage, Ken and Tammy Williams of Kalamazoo, Greg and Darci Williams of Parchment, and Steve and Leslie Williams of Battle Creek. Also surviving are numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Roger also leaves to cherish his memories are his nieces: Theresa (Craig) Sweet, Julie Stratton (Cheryl Hudson), and nephews Joseph Potvine and Timothy Potvine and 7 great-nieces and nephews. He also leaves his cousins Beverly (Donald) Henson and Carol (John) Ramsey. He also leaves his favorite cat Chassis, and Walter J. Wallace who took care of our loved one. Roger was preceded in death by his parents, sister and brother-in-law Pat and Larry Potvin, his son Gary, and grandson Ryan. Friends may meet with the family at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, 3926 South 9th Street on Wednesday, September 6 from 4-8 PM. A memorial service will be held that evening at 7 PM with Walter J. Wallace officiating. Please meet at the Fort Custer National Cemetery cortege area on Thursday, September 7 at 10:45 am for a graveside service to begin at 11 AM. Walter J. Wallace will preside at the service. Full military honors will be provided by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard and the Fort Custer Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to Rose Arbor Hospice Residence.
3926 S. 9th St.
Kalamazoo, MI, US, 49009
3926 S. 9th St.
Kalamazoo, MI, US, 49009
15501 Dickman Road
Augusta, MI, US, 49012
Passed away on August 31, 2017. Roger was born on December 20, 1934, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the son of Jay and Dorothy (Beaton) Williams. He grew up in the Oakwood neighborhood. One of his first jobs was delivering the Kalamazoo Gazette. Roger attended the Kalamazoo Public Schools. At the age of 16 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was a welder on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Wasp (CUA'18) during the Korean Conflict. Roger was awarded the Navy Good Conduct Medal, the Navy Occupation Medal Clasp, China Service Medal (extended), National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Korea War Service Medal, and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation. Due to his military experience his high school diploma from the Kalamazoo Public Schools. In 2012, Congressman Fred Upton presented Roger with his medals. He followed in his father's footsteps by driving a bus. Roger started driving a bus for National City. He then worked for the city of Kalamazoo as a coach/operator for Metro Transit. He was a member of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1093. He was also a member of the city of Kalamazoo United Retired Governmental Employees. In 1987, Roger was named Driver of the Year. He was also employed by Band B Trucking and Senior Services. Roger was married to Sonia M. Williams, and out of this union they had five sons: Roger II, Greg, Ken, Gary, and Steve. This marriage ended in divorce. He later married Judith Carlsen Jones while they both worked for Metro Transit. This marriage ended in divorce. In 2004, Roger married Susan M. Christianson and she passed away on February 18, 2012. He is survived by his children: Roger II and Lolly Williams of Portage, Ken and Tammy Williams of Kalamazoo, Greg and Darci Williams of Parchment, and Steve and Leslie Williams of Battle Creek. Also surviving are numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Roger also leaves to cherish his memories are his nieces: Theresa (Craig) Sweet, Julie Stratton (Cheryl Hudson), and nephews Joseph Potvine and Timothy Potvine and 7 great-nieces and nephews. He also leaves his cousins Beverly (Donald) Henson and Carol (John) Ramsey. He also leaves his favorite cat Chassis, and Walter J. Wallace who took care of our loved one. Roger was preceded in death by his parents, sister and brother-in-law Pat and Larry Potvin, his son Gary, and grandson Ryan. Friends may meet with the family at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, 3926 South 9th Street on Wednesday, September 6 from 4-8 PM. A memorial service will be held that evening at 7 PM with Walter J. Wallace officiating. Please meet at the Fort Custer National Cemetery cortege area on Thursday, September 7 at 10:45 am for a graveside service to begin at 11 AM. Walter J. Wallace will preside at the service. Full military honors will be provided by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard and the Fort Custer Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to Rose Arbor Hospice Residence.
Visitation
SEP 6. 04:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Langeland Family Funeral Homes - Westside Chapel3926 S. 9th St.
Kalamazoo, MI, US, 49009
Memorial Service
SEP 6. 07:00 PM
Langeland Family Funeral Homes - Westside Chapel3926 S. 9th St.
Kalamazoo, MI, US, 49009
Graveside Service
SEP 7. 11:00 AM
Fort Custer National Cemetery15501 Dickman Road
Augusta, MI, US, 49012
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