Wendell H. Williams, 85 lifelong Oneida resident, passed away at his home in Malad, Monday, May 24, 1993, after a long illness.

Mr. Williams was born in Paris, Idaho, on December 21, 1907, a son of Thomas Henry and Lizzette Matilda Bunn Williams. He moved to when he was a young child, where he received his education in the Malad Schools.

He married Viola Crites, and they were later divorced.

Noted for his cooking expertise, Mr. Williams built the Wheel Inn Cafe, now known as Deep Creek Inn, three miles north of Malad. The cafe opened on July 1, 1948, and he continued its operation until May, 1972. During the latter years of business at the Wheel Inn, he was joined by his brother Glen, and sister, Maud W. Griffiths.

He was an accomplished cabinetmaker and enjoyed leather work. During his younger years, he farmed and trained horses. He also enjoyed gardening.

He is survived by several nephews and nieces; Elaine Madson and Carol Deschamps, Malad; Donna Thomas, Milwaukie, Oregon; Ken Williams, Medford, Oregon; Tom Williams, Salem, Utah; Joan Terry, Monticello, Utah; Lois Bonta, Ruth Thomas, Vivian Nicholason, Norma Gonzales, Jim Williams and Stan Williams, all of California; husbands and wives of nephews and nieces, and several great-nephews and great-nieces. He was the last survivor of a family of seven brother and three sister.

Graveside services will be held at 12:00 noon, Thursday, May 27, at the Malad City Cemetery. Friends may call Wednesday evening from 7:00 until 8:30 o’clock, and Thursday, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Benson-Horsley Funeral Home in Malad.