Howard E. Williams

Howard Earl “Hobbie” Williams, 93, of Bucyrus, died Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at Carlisle Place.

Howard was born on September 18, 1931 in Smiths Creek, Carter County, Kentucky to the late Claude L. and Mabel I. (Lee) Williams. He learned hard work at a young age by helping on the family farm and around age 16, he and his brother, Sam came to Bucyrus and began working at Swan Rubber. A few years later, he joined the Air Force, serving as a cook and was stationed in England during the Korean Conflict. After the Air Force, Hobbie returned to Swan where he worked for the remainder of his career until retiring as a manager.

It was at the movie theater in 1956 when he caught the eye of Thelma Jean Wade and following a brief courtship, they married on December 15 of that same year, sharing nearly 68 years of marriage.

Hobbie enjoyed taking care of his family and with his background as a cook, as well as arriving home from work prior to Jean, he did much of the cooking over the years. He certainly knew how to spoil them with his sweet taters, pinto beans and corn bread and no one will forget his feasts prepared every Thanksgiving. 

Hobbie spent many years fishing and hunting and shared some great memories with his son and grandsons on their family property. Even after the outdoorsman in him slowed down, he and Jean took daily drives to their property as to admire God’s creations. He also liked playing golf and he and Jean enjoyed wintering in Destin Florida. Hobbie attended church at Bucyrus UMC and was a member of Moose Lodge 669.

He is survived by wife, Jean Williams; grandsons, Chad (Darcy) Williams and Owen Williams; great grandchildren, Lucas Williams, Audrey Blessing and Alex Blessing; two siblings, Alta Fern Williams and Betty (Jim) Layton as well as many nieces and nephews.

Howard was preceded in death by his son, Allen “Al” Williams and siblings, Sam Williams, James Williams, Lois (Jim) McClease, Wanda (E. Paul) Thompson, and Faye Swihart.

Visitation will be held from 11-11:55 am Tuesday, October 15 at Wise Funeral Service, where his funeral will begin that day at 12:00 pm with Pastor Becky Stephens officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery where Military Rites will be observed by the Air Force Honor Guard and Bucyrus Veterans Military Funeral Detail.

If desired, donations can be made payable to Bucyrus United Methodist Church and will be accepted through the funeral home. Memories are encouraged to be shared on his guestbook.