Robert F. "Bob" Williams, age 91 and a lifelong resident of Elwood, went home to be with the Lord in his sleep on Thursday, September 7, 2017 at Parkview Assisted Living in Elwood following a brief illness.  He was born in 1926 in the family farmhouse where his son, Jerry, now resides, the son of Francis "Frank" J. and Josie B. (Myerly) Williams.  Bob was a farmer in Duck Creek Township all of his life and was owner of Williams Farms.  He also formerly managed the Elwood Co-op Elevator for 7 years.  Bob was a 1944 graduate of Elwood High School.  He married Doneta M. Ozenbaugh on March 8, 1947, and they were blessed to share over 70 years of marriage together.  Bob was a dedicated member of East Main Street Christian Church in Elwood for 83 years, and started attending in 1934 when he was 8 years old.  Over the years, he held positions that included Sunday School Teacher, Assistant Superintendent, Deacon, and Elder.  He went on three Mission trips to Haiti.  Bob was also secretary of the school holding corporation for Madison-Grant High School for 17 years, and a member of the Duck Creek Township Advisory Board for 8 years.  He served as past President of the Elwood Lions Club; was a member of the Quincy Masonic Lodge in Elwood; and a charter member of the Duck Creek Fire Department.

He was a member of the Madison County Farm Bureau, and in 1963 was honored to receive a certificate of merit for outstanding accomplishments in soil conservations.  Later, he was an Honorary FFA Chapter Farmer in 1966.  That same year, he traveled to Europe to tour and exchange farming practices as a gesture of goodwill.  In 1968, Bob received the Indiana Master Farmers Award.  Bob's hobbies were fishing and collecting his 6 antique John Deere tractors.  More than anything, he loved spending time with all his family and grandchildren.

Bob's family legacy includes his wife, Doneta M. Williams of Elwood; son Jerry (wife Brenda) Williams of Elwood, son Terry (wife Donnetta) Williams of Elwood, daughter Janet (husband Mark) Copher of Honor, MI, daughter Nancy (husband Mike) Retherford of Chesterfield, and son Randy (wife Maryann) Williams of Elwood; 10 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.  Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his step-mother, Ruth Fisher; and sister Madonna Smock-Saffer.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 am Tuesday, September 12, 2017 at East Main Street Christian Church in Elwood with Rev. Roger Gardner officiating.  Burial will follow in Elwood City Cemetery.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 3:00 to 8:00 pm Monday, September 11, 2017 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood and 1 hour prior to the service on Tuesday from 10 to 11am at East Main Street Christian Church.  Memorial contributions are suggested to East Main Street Christian Church through the funeral home.  Online expressions of condolence may be made at copherfeslermay.com.