David Lee Williams, 62, a third generation Baker Valley rancher, died June 8, 2002.
There will be a private family graveside service Friday morning at Mount Hope Cemetery. A public celebration of life service for David will begin at 11 a.m. Friday at the Church of the Nazarene, 1250 Hughes Lane. Pastors Ron Kratzer and Lennie Spooner will officiate. Visitations will be until 7 o’clock tonight at Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St.
David was born the second son of Jess and Bessie Emery Williams on March 22, 1940, at Baker City. He attended local schools and Eastern Oregon State College (now Eastern Oregon University) at La Grande.
In 1962, he came home to run the family ranch. David, Barbara and Michael, through the years, have made innovative changes to carry the ranch into the next generation. They have moved from traditional range grazing of cattle to rotational field grazing. They were featured in the local newspaper with their yearly cattle drives from the ranch in the Baker Valley to rangeland approximately 15 miles away.
David enjoyed and had a talent for music. Because of his involvement with the Nazarene Church, he was a participant in the Nazarene Church’s Easter and Christmas pageants for several years. He particularly enjoyed gospel music. He was made an honorary member of the Baker High School FFA Chapter and was an Oregon State FFA Star Farmer in his youth.
Some of the common interests David and Barbara enjoyed together were square dancing and traveling. David never knew a stranger. He enjoyed visiting with the local people and seeing the non-tourist part of areas he traveled to.
David took pride in his family. He lived the last three years courageously with cancer.
Survivors include his high school sweetheart and wife of more than 40 years, Barbara Erwin Williams; his children, Robin and Mike Jones of Heppner, Karen Williams of Portland and Michael and Josie Williams of Baker City; four granddaughters, Brianne and Kellee Jones, and Emmi and Tori Williams; and a brother, Donald Williams, of Portland.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Bishop Foote Guest House, c/o St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center, 190 E. Bannock, Boise, ID 83712 or through Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place Street, Baker City, OR 97184.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, June 18, 2002
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor