Obituary of Donald E. Williams

Williams - Donald E., Sr. "Sarge", 67, of Maple Avenue, Ebensburg, died July 10, 2007 at Altoona Regional Health System, Altoona Hospital Campus. Born March 20, 1940 in Illinois, son of the late Louis and Lucille (Fitzpatrick) Williams, he is preceded in death by his brother Herb. He is survived by his devoted wife of 20 years, the former Marie (Natcher) Scanlan and these children: Mark (Deborah) Darwin, Geneseo, IL; Tracy (Charles) Weidlich, San Antonio, TX; Donald E. Jr. (Brenda) Williams, Loretto; Cheryl (Scott) Hollingsworth, Revloc; and Tricia (Jeff) Braniff, Revloc; Greg (Tina) Scanlan, Jeffrey (Raeann) Scanlan and Brian (Carol) Scanlan, all of Ebensburg. He is also survived by 18 grandchildren, one great-grandson, as well as his brother Ronald (Linda) Williams of Davenport, IA. A Vietnam Veteran (two tours), Sergeant First Class, E-7, he served a total of 37 years in the U.S. Army, both active and reserve duties. Eight of those years were served as an Army Recruiter. He also served with the U.S. Navy SeaBees. He was decorated with the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medals, Army Reserves Components Achievement Medal, Army Service and Army Reserve Service Ribbons, National Defense Service Medals, Vietnam Service Medals, NCO Professional Development Ribbons, Overseas Service Ribbons, Vietnam Service and Vietnam Campaign Medals and numerous others. He is a member of the Ebensburg Post 4963 VFW. Don also worked in the coal mines, as a mine inspector, in Cambria and Somerset counties. He loved his extensive family, traveling, telling jokes, and John Wayne movies. Friends will be received Friday from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. at the Askew-Houser Funeral Homes, Inc., Ebensburg. Funeral Service will be held Saturday at 11:00 a.m., at the Ebensburg United Methodist Church; Rev. Roger Johnson and Rev. John Bennett officiating. Interment at Holy Name Cemetary. Military graveside ritual by the Menoher Post #155 VFW Ritual Team.