Lee R. Williams, 80, Hamilton, Mo., passed away on April 3, 2017, at his home in Hamilton. He lived in Hamilton most of his life.

Lee R. was born on August 19, 1936, in Trenton, Mo., to Claude D. and Rebecca (McCoin) Williams. His family moved to Hamilton when he was four. He graduated from the Hamilton Penney High School in 1954, and then attended college for 2 years at Southern Baptist University in Bolivar, Mo., and the Kirksville, Mo., college now known as Truman State University.

Lee R. served his country from 1955-1958 in the Missouri National Guard. He and his father owned and operated the Old Mobile Gas Station in Hamilton, and later they opened and formed the Hamilton Propane Service. After this they opened the Williams Gas Service and it was sold to Ferrellgas where he stayed and managed. Later on he developed and managed the MFA Oil & Propane in Hamilton until 1999 when he retired. He joined his wife working and operating their restaurant, Mirija, in Hamilton after retirement as well as driving trucks for Rooney Postal Service and Spirit Miller Brokerage.

Lee R. was a deacon, choir member, and member of the Hamilton Baptist Church. He was a football referee for MHSAA for 29 years, and served on the Hamilton School Board for 6 years. Lee was also a former chief and volunteer for the Hamilton Fire Department.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother-in-law, Darrel Ellsworth.

Lee R. married his wife, Carolyn Buck, in Hamilton at the Baptist Church on December 14, 1958. She survives of the home.

Additional survivors: Sons-Mike (Kathy) Williams, Lake Forrest, Ca., and Rick (Coni) Williams, Kansas City, Mo.; Daughter-Janice (Jeff) Johnson, St. Joseph, Mo.; 7 grandchildren-Chris (Stacy) Williams, Smithville, Mo.; Jami Craig, Denver, Co.; Justin (Amber) Craig, Parkville, Mo.; Sean and Jeff Webb, Lake Forrest, Ca.; Shannen White (Jeremy), St. Joseph, Mo.; and Theryn Johnson, St. Joseph, Mo.; 2 great-grandchildren-Mason and Quinlyn Williams; Sister-Ruth Ellsworth, St. Louis, Mo.; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Celebration of Life: 3:30 p.m., Thursday, April 6, 2017, at the Hamilton Baptist Church.

Visitation: 2 to 3:30 p.m., just prior to the service, at the church.

Cremation to follow the service.

Memorials may be given to the Hamilton Baptist Church bus fund in memory of Lee R.

Arrangements: Bram Funeral Home, Hamilton, Mo.