The Coconino sun., 1926-04-09
DECKER WILLIAMS, ONE OF
OUR MOST POPULAR YOUNG
MEN, BURIED YESTERDAY

Death at o'clock on Monday eve
ming claimed Decker Williams, one of
Flagstaff's best-known citizens. His
passing occurred at the family home
on North Leroux street following an
illness of less than week with pneu-
monia, intensified by complications.
He was taken i'll on Tuesday eve
ming with violent pains in the head.
Though doctor was summoned i'm
mediately, the best of medical skill
and constant attention were unavail-
ing. He was desperately i'll from the
beginning-at no time conscious for
more than an hour at time. Fol-
lowing death he was taken to the
home of his parents in Milton from
which the funeral took place yester-
day afternoon at o'clock.
The sympathy of the entire city is
with his stricken young wife, two
baby boys, his parents and brother.
There was no more popular young
man in town; his loss is shared by all
for to know him was to be his
friend.
Last rites were under auspices of
the Masonic lodge, members of which,
in regalia, gathered at the parents
home. Led by marshal of the day, J.
S. Mc1lwaine, they marched to the
Federated church where an impressive
and beautiful burial service was con-
Quoted by Rev. H. F. Softley and
Rev. A. S. Dowd. Beautiful Isle of
Somewhere" and my Savior's Voice"
were sung by a quartette COMPOSED
of Mrs. I. 0. Bellwood, Mrs. G. A.
Pearson, A. A. Johnston and Tom l..
Rees, with Mrs. Lorna C. Jessup ac-
companying. Members of the Ameri-
can Legion in uniform under COM
mand of Capt. j. B. Wright formed
military escort to the grave in
Knights of Pythias cemetery. Masonic
Worshipful Master Walter Runke
gave the eulogy during the burial
rites. A last salvo was fired over the
grave in farewell to their comrade
and taps were sounded by the Ameri-
can Legion. These Masonic brothers
acted as pallbearers: Harry Richwine,
DR.. Vaughn S. Mcclure, Lawrence
Campbell, Fred Metz, Joe Schmidt
and Clarence Puliam.
Permission was received by Post
master R. ]. Connor from the post
master general at Washington to
close for the funeral.
Irvine Decker Williams, the oldest
son of Mr.. and Mrs. Dan W. Williams
of this city, was born at Morton Gap,
KY, October %, 1898. When a little
boy he came to Flagstaff with his
parents and had lived here since. He
attended Emerson school and the
normal His record at the latter as
star quarterback in 1915 has never
been rivaled here.
He volunteered in the navy in 1917
and saw nine months service. He
embarked from San Pedro, touched at
various South American ports and
was across the ocean several times.
The signing of the armistice found his
ship at Iquique, where it was taking
on a load of nitrates for English use.
His discharge was given him at
Philadelphia.
Upon his return to Flagstaff he
was for a time with Frank Goodman
on a county survey.
On January / he entered the post
office, where his advancement was
rapid until in 1924 he was appointed
assistant postmaster. He continued
in that capacity until his death. He
was popular with all patrons of the
office for his unfailing courtesy and
genial personality.
He was married on June II, 1928,
to Miss Martha Stahl, now only 19
years of age. There are two delight
full little sons, Tommy and Decker.
Mrs. Williams and sons are with her
foster parents, Mr.. and Mrs. t. A.
Stahl. In addition, his death leaves
desolate his parents, Mr.. and Mrs.
Dan w. Williams, his brother, Ernest
Williams, and cousins, Elmer Brown
ing and Earl Sisk.
Deceased recently held the highest
office in the Masonic lodge, that of
worshipful master, and also in the
knights of Pythias as chancellor COM
mander. He was at the time of his
death secretary Of the Masonic lodge.
He was member of the Presbyterian
church.
This is the sixth child of their
seven that Mr.. and Mrs. Williams
have lost by death.