Obituary of David Williams

David Williams, 68, went to his heavenly home Friday, August 11 in San Bernardino, CA.  Memorial service will be Saturday, August 26 at 1:30 pm at United Methodist Church in Geddes. 

David Maynard Williams was born October 12, 1948 in Geddes, SD to Harold and Elta (Fisher) Williams.  His father was Principal of Geddes Public School during World War II and later was the owner and editor of the Charles Mix County News.  His mother, who once taught in rural South Dakota schools, played the organ at the United Methodist Church in Geddes.  David graduated from Geddes High School and in 1972 graduated from the University of South Dakota with Bachelor of Arts degree in music.  Before moving to California in 1974, he taught instrumental music at Bon Homme Independent #96 in Tyndall.  Working in California for many years as a typist, he joined the St. Joseph Health System in 1986 to pursue a career in word processing.  He retired in 2010.

While at the University of South Dakota, David soloed with the symphonic band during tours.  He always enjoyed playing saxophone solos accompanied by his mother on the piano and singing in the choir at the United Methodist Church in Geddes.  In the army, he served two years with the 371st Army Band in Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas.  David followed a passion for collecting and photographing insects and spiders all of his life, eventually traveling throughout much of the South.  The Old Park, the shores of Pease Creek and the street lights of Geddes provided early treasure troves of specimens.  David died Friday, August 11 at the Valley Health Care Center in San Bernardino, CA at the age of 68.

David is survived by his brother, John Williams of Sioux Falls, SD; a nieces, Dawn Huggins of Ft. Collins, CO; and a nephew, Marshall (Lisa) Williams of Dripping Springs, TX.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Elta Williams.