Frederick Roy Williams

Frederick Roy Williams, 72, of Onaway, died at Eisenhower Center in Ann Arbor Wednesday, January 18, 2017.  The son of Duane R. and Emelie E. (Rosenau) Williams, Fred was born March 18, 1944 in Concord, and was raised on a farm in Homer.  He graduated from Homer High School in 1962 and then served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam Era from 1965 through 1968.

In 1977 Fred moved to Onaway from Remus. He worked as a farmer and as a clerk at the Onaway post office.  Hardworking, Fred began his chores each day before the sun was up and worked until after dark. He loved his farm work and was an expert at growing corn, soybeans, wheat, barley and hay. He also raised beef cattle and sheep and was involved with 4-H.

Friendly and outgoing, Fred also enjoyed his work at the post ofice where he always had a cheerful smile for his customers. Not one to ever sit still, Fred always had to keep busy.

As his health declined, he still liked to be doing something all the time so Fred took up walking.  He constantly walked

the halls of the nursing home so much that the nursing home staff gave him the nickname “Walker Fred.”

Surviving Fred are his two daughters, Christina Chaskey and Jeannine (Steve) Scully, both of Onaway; five grandchildren; as well as his three sisters, Susan (Tom) Bregg of Battle Creek, Kathy Lake of Marshall and Mary (Dave) Palmatier of Panton, Vermont; two brothers, Dan (Sandy) and Dennis (Nancy), both of Homer; sister-in-law, Georgia Williams of Fowlerville; and many nieces and nephews.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Jonathan and Frederick; and brother, Cliff Williams.

Fred’s family received friends at the Chagnon Funeral Home Wednesday, January 25, until the time of the memorial service. The Rev. Chad Brendtke, the chaplain from Eisenhower Center, officiated.  Those planning an expression of sympathy please consider a donation in memory of Fred to the Onaway Ambulance Equipment Fund.  Condolences may be shared online at www.chagnonfh.com.