David Williams' Obituary
David Allen Williams, 76, passed away at his home in Corydon on June 23, 2023, surrounded by his family, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. David was born on May 8, 1947, to Telford and Mary (Everhart) Williams in Corydon, IA. He grew up on the family farm north of Corydon near Sharon Church. He was the youngest of six surviving children. As was the tradition in their family, he was often referred to as Davey by the family. He became Uncle Davey before he was two years old so that was also an often-used moniker.
Dave attended school at Cambria until they consolidated with Corydon when he was in high school. He graduated from Cambria-Corydon High School in 1965. In 1971 he married Leta Richardson, and they had two children: Todd and Tessa. The two later divorced. Dave married Connie Bardwell in 2003 and he added a bonus daughter, Jenny.
Always a hard worker, Dave worked at both Pester's and Voltmaster (later East Penn) until he started driving truck delivering batteries for Voltmaster. Over the years of driving a truck he made many friends of his customers and even now some of his customers still ask about him from time to time. One of his favorite customers was in Nevada, MO and they shared a special friendship, bonding over baseball and batteries. One year, when he was still driving truck, he ended up in Nevada the week of Thanksgiving and the man and his family invited Dave to spend Thanksgiving with them. When Dave had a surgery many years ago, and was off work for a few weeks this customer sent him what ended up being his most prized possession: A Mickey Mantle Rookie baseball card. He never met a stranger. Everyone was someone and would always get a "Hey neighbor!" from him no matter if he knew them or not. Eventually he stopped driving trucks as his cancer treatments got harder and worked back in the plant for a few years until he finally retired, officially, in 2019, after over 45 years of service. He was always willing to jump into any task that needed some manual labor help. He did many jobs with his kids and with his many in-lawed relations and always with a smile and a "happy to help."
When the kids were young, Dave spent a lot of time with them on the weekends. They would ride bikes, go to parks, go fishing, play catch or baseball in the yard, and walk all over town. He spent hundreds of hours pushing the kids on swings at home and at the park. As they got older, he could often be found at high school sporting events on Friday nights to watch Tessa play in the marching or pep bands, and to watch the games and visit with people. After the kids grew up and left Corydon, he would often spend weekends in Des Moines with them going to movies, going out to eat, and going shopping. When Tessa got married in 2011, he added a bonus son, Kevin, to the family and 2016 and 2017 he finally got to add the title Grandpa (or Peepaw, as the kids called him); first, Carson Allen Yawn and the following year, Ava Joi Yawn. They were the light of his life, and he was always so proud to show pictures of them and tell stories about the. He loved pushing them in their strollers on walks or racing them to see who would fall asleep first: Peepaw or the baby in his arms. He was the proudest dad and grandpa. One of his often-used phrases, when hearing of one of their accomplishments, was "I couldn't be prouder of you."
When not with the kids, Dave spent a lot of time with his siblings talking about their lives; and as they each got older, he was often the chauffer for them to go out of Chinese food in Knoxville. He loved all his siblings and all his nieces and nephews, 21 of them in total.In 2003 Dave married Connie Bardwell at Sharon Church, north of Corydon. They spent many years building a life together in Corydon. They each finished their careers and pursued their hobbies and spent time with each other's families. They enjoyed going on drives through the country to look at wildlife. Connie was a constant support and help to him over the last 20 years; holding fast to her vows in sickness, and in health.
Having lived in Wayne County nearly his whole life Dave had many friends over the years and held a special place for different people over the years. Co-workers, like Dave MacDonald, Ted Selby, and MaryAnn Little; neighbors like Steve Snyder and Dick and Cheryl Rouse. Former family members like Don Hall and Chad Hall. In the last few years, he became very fond of one young lady in particular, Miss Ashley Sharp. They became friends when both were in need of a friend.
Dave is survived by his wife, Connie. His children Todd Williams and Tessa (Kevin) Yawn; and grandchildren Carson and Ava Yawn, all of Altoona, IA; his stepdaughter, Jenny (Tim) Whitlatch of Russell. Also surviving are his siter, Roberta Allen of Humeston and brother, Donnie Williams of Corydon and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Telford Williams and Mary Williams Anders, and stepdad, Ernie Anderson; sister, Irene Bellon; brothers, Kenny and Richie Williams; and an infant sister.
Memorials can be directed to Every Step Hospice as a thank you for the wonderful care they took with him over the last few months.
Service will be live streamed at my.gather.app/remember/david-williams-jun-2023
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