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Walter E. Williams The Builder 1934 to 2020 He’s gone, but his talents remain on display throughout the state of Oklahoma, which he loved. His skills included building bridges and roads with the Oklahoma State Highway Department and U.S. Corp of Engineers. Other projects included the Blue Ribbon Downs race track, the first in Oklahoma. He designed and built their home, as well as apartment houses, a restaurant and nursing homes.
Walt served on the board for the Methodist Children’s Home in Tahlequah and helped wire the barns at the Methodist Boys’ Ranch located at Tenkiller Lake. He served as a trustee of the First United Methodist Church, Anadarko. He supported projects for the Verden United Methodist Church. He was also known to have the ability to repair most anything mechanical.
Some of the bridges he built were metaphorical in nature: allowing others to cross them through education and guidance assisting them to improve their current situation. Even though he spoke with wisdom, knowledge and lots of teasing, some of his often-used words contained four letters; much to the delight of his friends and to the consternation of the ladies.
His work ethic was indisputable by evidence of locally owning or managing a drug store, a ranch, Williams’ Tire, The Linen Chest, Paint Bucket, The Broker, and the Plant Hollar. He served as administrator for five of the OK Nursing Homes, Inc. as well as Friendship Manor.
As a licensed pesticide applicator, he oversaw insect and rodent control at Golden Peanut. He worked tractor pulls and was an avid FFA booster and former member.
Walter sang in statewide church choirs and cantatas wherever they lived and did staging for many. With Diane as the pianist, the rest of the family would sing four-part harmony, adding to his deep bass voice. He loved hosting gatherings such as wiener roasts and witch hunting with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed grilling steaks as an excuse to have parties on the porch.
He believed we should take care of our environmental resources and continued to plant trees, feed the birds and made sure the bees and deer were watered. His interests included preserving and sharing artifacts and the history of Anadarko, Caddo County and Oklahoma.
Walter served as First Sergeant, 95th Division, Basic Combat Training Unit, U.S. Army Reserves and as an undercover Caddo County Deputy Sheriff for a time.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Patricia and two daughters, Debbie Riddle (Jim) and Diane Gantt. The family includes three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. A private family gathering will be held at a later date. Masked friends are welcome to call at the family home any afternoon this week.
When asked what he would do if he could do anything in the world he replied, “Build a soup kitchen.” Therefore, honorariums to Monday Meals of the Anadarko United Methodist Church would honor him.”
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