Louis Williams, 88

Louis "Lou" Richard Williams, 88, of Sandpoint, Idaho, and formerly of Bourbonnais, Ill., passed away July 12, 2023, surrounded by his loving sons.

He was born Feb. 7, 1935, in Bradley, Ill., to the late Clarence and Goldie (Rains) Williams.

Lou was a devoted father, brother, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather, and he cherished every special moment he spent with his family.

Lou was preceded in death by his beloved son, Bryan Richard Williams, on Aug. 2, 1976. He was also preceded in death by his former wife, Eunice Williams; and six sisters, Marie Williams, Esther Tur, Mildred Young, Maxine Pombert, Virginia Ellis and Marion Crawford. Additionally, Lou was preceded in death by his two brothers, Clarence "Shorty" Williams and Robert Williams. 

Lou, who was also known affectionately as "Pops" to his many Sandpoint family and friends, was retired from Pekin Insurance. Prior to his career, he served our country in the Army while stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo., and Korea, from 1955 to 1958, serving as a specialist fourth class.

Lou was a passionate outdoorsman and loved North Idaho. He found immense joy in fishing, hunting, camping and canoeing. Lou had a deep love for reading and watching movies about war history, immersing himself in the captivating stories of the past. However, Lou's greatest source of happiness came from spending time with his cherished family and friends.

Lou is survived by his three children, Jeff Williams (Leilani) of Sandpoint, Idaho, Kari Williams Cremer (Patrick) of Land O'Lakes, Fla., and Craig Williams (Caroline) of Glenview, Ill. He is also survived by his two brothers, Fred (Mae) Williams of Bennington, Okla., and Ronald Williams of Bradley, Ill.; as well as two sisters, Cora Barna of Watseka, Ill., and Donna Taylor of Phoenix, Ariz. He is also survived by his former wife, Linda Eddleman, of The Villages, Fla. Lou leaves behind 11 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense pride and joy.

A celebration of life in honor of Lou's remarkable journey will be held in Kankakee on Aug. 26. The interment will take place at Memorial Gardens in Kankakee, Ill., with a small gravesite service for immediate family and close friends. Details regarding a celebration of life ceremony in Sandpoint will also be communicated to family and friends here locally.