Baker City, Oregon
Clarence Lewis “Big Lou” Williamson, 58, died Jan. 31, 2003, at St. Elizabeth Health Services.
His memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St. Pastor Monte Loyd of Baker Valley Christian Assembly will officiate.
Mr. Williamson was born on Sept. 6, 1944, at Robinson, N.D. He was a son of Edwin and Purnelby “Dolly” Brady Williamson. He grew up and attended school at Lake Williams Country School.
Lou worked in his uncle’s service station at Cottonwood, Idaho, then later moved to Boise, where he worked at General Tires and met his future bride, Caron Bryon. They were married on June 27, 1964, at Baker City.
He worked and lived in various locations until 1973, when they moved to Robinson, N.D., and farmed on the homestead. He later started driving truck in the 1980s until the family moved back to Baker City in 1987.
He drove log truck for several years, before he went to long-haul driving. He loved gardening, camping, fishing, driving teams of horses and mules and spending time with his grandchildren.
His all-time love besides his family was playing his guitars and singing. While in Robinson, N.D., he played in a band, where he was lead guitar player and vocalist.
Survivors include his wife, Caron Williamson of Baker City; his three sons, Russel Williamson, and his wife, Mary, Ricky Williamson and Robert Williamson and his wife, April; daughter, Raechelle “Shorty” King; seven grandchildren, Courtney Williamson, Dustin Eastman, Eric Williamson, Justin and Dakota Williamson, and Cheyenne and Kiah King; his brother, Johnny Williamson; sisters, Lenore Forseman, Beverly Acree, Judy Scholssnagle, Irene Schacher, Donna Martonen and Sheila Larson.
He was preceded in death by his father, Edwin, and mother, Dolly; brothers-in-law, Phil Acree and Dick Schacher; and nephews, Glen Schlossnagle and Kit Forseman.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice through Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St., Baker City, OR 97814.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, February 7, 2003
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor