Laverne Williams

Laverne David "Whimpy" Williams was born on February 10, 1928, to Clyde and Clementine (Plambeck) Williams near Portsmouth, Iowa. He attended grade school at Hemlock School west of Portsmouth and high school in Persia, Iowa until his father's illness required Laverne to work on the farm. On September 13, 1948, Laverne married Darlene "Enie" Lyons at the Lutheran Church in Avoca, Iowa. In 1949 Laverne worked for Hunt Construction building roads. In 1950 he farmed with his brother Russ. Laverne then moved his family to the Joe Riddle farm NW of Portsmouth where they lived for 44 years. During the winters, he hauled propane gas, and fuel oil for Gene Petersen in Harlan and Howard McLaughlin in Woodbine. He also worked for Plumb Hybrids selling seed corn for over 40 years. In 1994 Laverne retired and he and Enie moved to Woodbine. He continued to help other farmers, especially Bob Weis, with harvest.

Laverne was a member of the United Methodist Church, Hemlock Neighborhood Club and the Woodbine Dance Club. He and Enie loved to dance and follow their son Rick's band. Laverne also enjoyed breeding and raising Chinese pugs and German shepherds. He loved all animals. He referred to his cow/calf herd as "the old girls."

Laverne died October 19, 2014, at his home in Woodbine at the age of 86 years, eight months and nine days.

Laverne was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Enie of nearly 60 years; son, Randy, brother, Russell and his wife Betty Williams; daughter-in-law, Mary Williams, grandson Scott Williams; nephew Donnie Mikels; and niece Shelly Williams. He is survived by two sons, Rick (Pat) Williams of Missouri Valley, IA, Bruce (Vivian) Williams of Woodbine, IA; daughter-in-law, Judy Williams of Avoca, IA; five grandchildren; four great grandchildren; four step grandchildren; two step great grandchildren; sister, Mae Mikels of Woodbine, IA; and many other relatives and friends.