November 2, 1952 ~ November 6, 2018
Clifford Kirk Williams passed away November 6, 2018 at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. He was admitted with an acute case of pneumonia.
Kirk was born in Caldwell, Kansas on November 2, 1952 to James (Jim) and Kathryn (Carter) Williams. He was the second of five children born to this union. He had a big brother Steve, younger sister Tonya, little brother Jimmy and really younger sister Lori. He grew up on the family farm west of Caldwell and attended Bailey School during his childhood and went on to Caldwell to finish his education. He was baptized in the Caldwell Presbyterian Church where he attended Sunday School during his youth. He graduated from Caldwell High with the Class of 1970.
Kirk was born into a large family with his cousins Galen Williams, Wade Williams, and LuAnn Williams becoming his family “gang” since they were all about the same age. Kirk was usually the instigator of all their shenanigans of which LuAnn was appalled and did not take part! He loved the outdoors and spending time at the low water bridge fishing and hunting and swimming. He terrorized the rest of his cousins by training a bunch of turkey gobblers to chase them up a hayloft, windmill or the closest tree screaming for help. His big brother Steve was always there to save the day and put Kirk in a chokehold until he called them off.
Shortly after graduation Kirk joined the military and became a Marine. His military career was quite impressive during his 21 plus years of serving his country before being honorably discharged. He was awarded the Sharpshooter Rifle Badge, the Sharpshooter Pistol Badge and the National Defense Service Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal and a Meritorious Unit Commendation Award as well as other commendations. He served as an Embassy Security Guard for several years to the Ambassador to Jakarta Indonesia. He was a Marine Corp, Field Artillery Sergeant Major E B.
While stationed in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, he married Susan Stafford and had a son named Clifford Williams on July 19, 1981. His son Cliff was always the highlight of his life. He kept his picture beside him at all times and he beamed when he spoke of him.
After his discharge he returned to Kansas where he made his home until his death.
He is survived by one son, Clifford Williams of Kentucky; one brother, Jim Williams of Okeene, Oklahoma; and one sister, Lori Cummings of Wellington, Kansas; many nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as his aunts, Betty Frazier, Gwen Rice and Kathy Risley.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Kathryn (Katie) Williams; brother Steve Williams and sister Tanya Wilson, as well as grandparents, Kelly and Neva Carter and Clifford and Addie Williams.
A memorial graveside service will be held 3:00 p.m. Friday, November 16, 2018 at the Caldwell City Cemetery, Caldwell, Kansas.
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Even though we were both in
David Lungren - 11/08/2018
Even though we were both in CHS Class of 70 our time hanging out together seemed limited, fun but limited. There was one particular time of kindness from Kirk that I will never forget, a time when he intervened when he didn't have to, when I was in physical danger and he stepped up. I'll never forget that kindness.
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A Friend ,True Patriot, and Proud Marine.....
Whitey Lawrence - 11/09/2018
Kirk was all of these things, a friend that was a classmate and someone that I and others spent a lot of time with going through school, hunting, fishing, camping, and hanging out. Always enjoyed his parents and siblings. He spent a lot of his early years helping on the family farm and working at the Caldwell Sale Barn, working for his Grandfather Clifford, and also worked with his brother Steve, and cousin Gaylen. A lot of hard work, but they had a lot of good times. Always willing to help or lend a hand. We had a lot of good times growing up, we went into the Military the same year, he went into the Marine Corps, myself into the Army, after my 2 years of service was complete , I returned and worked and went to school. Kirk loved being a Marine, and made it a career. A true patriot, and love of our country. I'm proud and honored to call him my friend. We lost touch with each other in the late 80's as I moved to Texas to follow my path in life, The last time we spoke was about this time last year, he spoke of his health issues and had a great conversation, and made note of his birthday being Novenber 2nd as we always thought that was cool as kids because it was also Daniel Boone's birthday! A man of adventure, and a military man as well. I know that he will be missed by many, myself included, Kirk had quite a journey through life, and died too soon, My thoughts and prayers for his family and friends. And know you did our country proud, Marine!
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In honor of Kirk Williams
Erika Weber-Spr... - 11/09/2018
Although I didn’t have the privilege of knowing Kirk personally, I want to pay my respect to Kirk and his fam. I only knew Kirk as Aunt Betty’s nephew. My Brothers were more aquatinted with Kirk than I was. When I spoke with my brothers about Kirk, their memory of Kirk was the same. If anyone was ever in harms way, everyone could always depend on Kirk to jump in and help and get the individual out of harms way. Kirk was a genuine friend to those he knew and even those he did not know. I would like to personally thank Kirk for his years of service. He was an excellent Marine. Semper Fi, David and Erika Sprinkle.
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A Buddy
Johnny Sadler - 11/10/2018
When I came to Caldwell the Williams family was the first family I met. I got to know Jim-Kattie-Steve and Kirk. Jim found me some of my first jobs. Kirk and l became good friends over the years. We had some good times together along with other friends. And I often think of them and it makes me laugh. I can’t put it in words how I really feel about Kirk and his family so I’ll let some one else do it for me. It’s a quote from Bob Marley-Some people feel the rain. Others just get wet. Rest In Peace buddy! My condolences goes out to the family.
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Saepe Expertus,
Harry Simpson - 11/13/2018
Saepe Expertus, Semper Fidelis, Fratres Aeterni.
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
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