Obituary of Vernon E. Williams

Mr. Vernon E. "Bud" Williams, 86, of West Grand Street, Palatine Bridge, New York died January 26, 2009 at home with his loving daughter by his side following a 20 year battle with Parkinson's disease. Born March 31, 1922 in Richmond, Vermont, he was the son of Verne A. Williams and Celia Morrill Williams. He was a graduate of Richmond, VT high school, class of 1941. He also attended Burlington Business College. Mr. Williams was a Toll Services Assistant for the New York State Thruway Authority for 28 years, retiring in 1986. He was a former Town of Palatine Justice from 1969-1979. Prior to that, he was the owner and operator of the Hudson Falls General Store. Mr. Williams had resided in the Canajoharie-Palatine Bridge area since 1958. Prior to living in the area he resided in Hudson Falls, New York. He was a Veteran of World War II, serving in the US Navy. He was of Roman Catholic faith. Mr. Williams was the Past-President and 40 year member of the Smith-Schultz American Legion Post 222, a former member of the NYS Magistrates Association, a life member of the Fort Plain VFW Post 3275, a member and past board member of the Central Mohawk Valley Lions Club, and a member of the Canajoharie-Fort Plain BPOE Elks Lodge 2621. Mr. Williams was also a member of the Canajoharie Moose Lodge 853, a member of the Thursday morning prayer group of the local clergy, a volunteer with Arkell Center and an avid bowler, belonging to many leagues. He enjoyed the simple things in life his family and home, tinkering, family gatherings, senior lunches, card groups, and yard work. On February 2, 1948 in Keesville, NY he married Hope N. St. John. She preceded him in death on May 15, 1998. Mr. Williams is also predeceased by a grandson, Ryan Voth, two sons, Brian M. Williams, David Williams, and two sisters, Eunice Viscovich and Eulee Poland. He is survived by three sons, Vernon G. Williams of TN, Keith W. Williams of IL, Lane A. Williams of Nassau, NY; two daughters, Margaret "Peg" Voth of Canajoharie, NY, Theresa "Terry" Williams of Palatine Bridge, NY; two sisters, Arabella Trudeau of Plattsburgh, NY, Viola L. Gordon of Plattsburgh, NY; 11 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.