David Kerry Williams, 85, Minot, died Sunday, June 30, 2024 in his home surrounded by his loving family and hospice.
David was born December 7, 1938 in Cedar City, Utah the son of Wells Allison and Ethna Francis (Williams) Williams. He was raised and educated at Kanarraville, Utah and graduated from Cedar City High School in 1957. He entered active-duty service with the U.S. Navy on August 8, 1957 and honorably served his country until he was discharged on May 26, 1961.
David was united in marriage to Carolyn Irene Call on June 9, 1961 in the Logan Utah Temple. David furthered his education in Speech Pathology first at Brigham Young University (BYU) for 3 years, then the University of Illinois for a year where he was elected to the Veterans Scholastic Honor Society Chi Gamma IOTA, the University of Oklahoma for 2 years and finally at the University of Missouri, where he received his PhD.
Following his schooling, he was employed at the University of California, Chico for a year, BYU in Provo, UT for 4 years and at Minot State University, where he served as the department chair for the Communication Disorders Department for 22 years. He retired in December of 2000. A room is named for him in Memorial Hall on the campus of MSU. In 1991, he was recognized as the Burlington Northern Teacher of the year at MSU.
Family was of the utmost importance to David and Carolyn. They were blessed with five children. His faith was an integral part of their lives. He served as the New Town Branch President for five years, served as ordinance worker for the Bismarck Temple for five years and their mission was for 18 months to the California Oakland Mission. He had also received the Academic Achievement Award from the Navy, served as President of the ND Speech Hearing Association and was a member of the American Speech Hearing Association. He enjoyed camping and fishing with his boys.
His loving family includes, wife of 63 years, Carolyn; children, Kristen Kay Williams, Seattle, WA; Dr. Tyson David (Janelle) Williams, Minot; Paul Wells (Salwa) Williams, Missouri; Mark Warren (Renee) Williams, Utah; Leslie Ann (Greg Becker), Idaho; 22 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; sister, Lauralie (Terry) Williams of Boise, ID; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
David was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Rowan, Gary, Verde and VRand; sisters, Barbara, Beverly and Rose Marie; and great grandson, Shalom Alexander Ishimwe-William.
Funeral Service: Saturday, July 6, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 2025 9th Street NW, Minot.
Interment: Kanarraville, Utah Cemetery on Thursday July 11, 2024 at 10:00 am.
Visitation: Friday, July 5th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
To view the livestream of the funeral service, please go to https://zoom.us/j/99045094638