Williams_Homer_24 March 1909
Homer D. Williams, educator, coach, sports fan, father and grandfather, passed away in his sleep on Saturday, Jan. 11, 1997.
He was born in Malad City, Idaho on March 24, 1909 to John O. and Eve Jardine Williams.
He married his sweetheart, Ruby Palmer, in 1932 in the Logan, Utah LDS Temple. They had six children: Sandra Wilkins, John, Suzanne (Gary) Larsen, Salt Lake City; Deworth (Alice) Park City, Utah; Gary (Debbie) Kona-Kailus, Hawaii, and David (Bonnie) Littleton, Colo.
Homer’s youth was spent in the small community of Malad where he learned to love horses, work on the family’s small farm, and where he participated in sports of all kinds. He was educated in the Malad schools, Albion Normal School, University of Idaho and Utah State University.
He began his career coaching and teaching and later became a school administrator at Franklin, grace and Hailey, Idaho. He later served as executive director of the Idaho State High School Activities Association.
He was active for several years with the National Federation of state High School Activities Association where he served on the executive board basketball rules committee, and was national president, 1957-58.
Homer was active in both community and church service. He dedicated his life to the education and activities of youth, where he had a lasting influence on many. Homer will be remembered for his concern and respect for people, his baritone voice, his sense of humor, his love of competitive sports, and his compassion and sincere regard for others, especially the underdog.
Homer received a distinguished citizens’ award from the Idaho Statesman (Boise) and he was the first inductee to the Idaho Sports Hall of Fame.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby, his brothers, Jack and Robert, his sisters, Evelyn Hartvigsen and Katherine Burton, and one grandchild, Brett Williams. He is survived by his brother, James J. Williams, his children, 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Services will be held in Malad City, Idaho, on Wednesday, January 15, 1997, at the Second LDS Ward Chapel, on 20 South 100 West. The family will greet friends beginning at 11 a.m. A funeral service begins at noon followed by the burial at the Malad City Cemetery.