Verne Williams

Verne Malcolm Williams, 83 of Independence, MO passed away Tuesday, March 15, 2011, at Truman Medical Center. Services will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, March 21, 2011, at the Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th Street South, Independence, MO 64055. Burial with full military honors will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Sunday at the chapel. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association Kansas City Office 10580 Barkley Suite 400 Overland Park, KS 66212. Verne was born August 21, 1927, in Dawn, MO, to Thomas Raymond and Lena Grace (Sperry) Williams. He grew up in Kansas City and graduated from Central High School in 1945. He then enlisted in the US Navy and proudly served in WWII and the Korean Conflict from 1946-51. In 1949 he married the love of his life, Virginia (Accurso) and they enjoyed 60 years of marriage before she passed away on November 17, 2009. He retired in 1987 from Southwestern Bell after 36 years of service. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities and spending time with family and friends, especially his grandchildren. He was a member of Abiding Savior Lutheran Church until it’s closing. He was also a member of the East Gate Masonic Lodge #630 AF&AM, Telephone Pioneers Club CWA, the Tirey J. Ford Post #21 American Legion and the Tribe of Mic-O-Say in Independence, MO. He is survived by his son, Mark S. Williams and his wife Patti of Buckner, MO; his daughter, Janet L. Woodward and her husband Les of Blue Springs, MO; 2 grandchildren, Caitlin Williams and Zachary Williams; 2 sister-in-laws, Neva Nicholson and Anne McNeil; a brother-in-law, Vincent Accurso and his wife Maria and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.