Paul Williams

Paul Elden Williams, age 81, of Kendallville, died Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at his home.  Born in Viroqua, Wisconsin to the late Roy and Phyllis (Fuller) Williams on September 2, 1939.  The family moved to Ladysmith, Wisconsin in 1956 where he graduated from Ladysmith High School in 1957.  On August 19, 1961, he married Patricia Hritz.  Both were students at Minnesota Bible College until 1964 when they moved to Lincoln Christian College in Lincoln, Illinois, where he received his B.A. degree and then went on to receive his master’s degree from Lincoln Christian Seminary.  Paul and Patricia then moved to Champaign-Urbana, Illinois where Paul completed the 2 year program at the University of Illinois Institute of Aviation to become a certified A & P Aircraft Mechanic.  The next move was to Eagle River, Alaska serving at the church and working for an aircraft rebuilder in Anchorage.  His son, Roy, was born in Anchorage in 1968.  The family returned to the “Lower 48”, settling in Edon, Ohio to service at the Columbia Church of Christ for the next 10 years.  They moved to Luca, Illinois to serve at the Antioch Christian Church for 2 years.  Their daughter, Jennifer, was born in Angola in 1969.  In 1980 the family moved to Kendallville where Paul established Williams Airmotive, an aircraft rebuilding business.  He had customers throughout the United States and around the world.  He retired in 2002 when his son took over the business and renamed it to Airframe Components.  Paul loved to fly, having both a private and commercial license.  He owned several aircrafts throughout the years, ending with his favorite, Citabria and C. 180.

He is survived by:
His wife of 60 years, Patricia Williams of Kendallville.
Son, Roy and Shelly Williams of Kendallville.
Daughter, Jennifer and Michael Ash of Westfield, Indiana.
Grandchildren, Samantha, Sydney and Sara Williams, Eric, Lauren, and Lindsay Ash.
Brother, Gerald and Laura Williams of Canton, Ohio.
Sisters in law, Linda Williams of Elgin, Illinois and Mary Reynolds of Ladysmith, Wisconsin.
Several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Ruth Strahm and Shirley Ann Weber, and his brother, Kieth Williams.

Visitation will be on Friday, August 6, 2021, from 2:00 – 8:00 PM at Williams Airframe Components, 9838 N. 1100 E., Kendallville, Indiana. At Paul's request, pie and coffee will be served!
Funeral services will take place on Saturday, August 7, 2021, at Williams Airframe Components at 11:00 AM with visitation one hour prior to the service from 10:00 – 11:00 AM. Pastor Brian Walters and Pastor Jim Mertz will officiate the service.
Memorial donations may be made to South Milford Church of Christ.
Arrangements entrusted to Hite Funeral Home.

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