Leon James Williams, born May 28, 1944, in Omaha, to Leland and Mildred (Jensen) Williams. He passed away peacefully Dec. 26, 2024, at the age of 80 after lengthy battle with cancer.
Leon attended Milford Public Schools, graduating with class of 1962. He received an Associates Degree in Electronics Technology from Southeast Community College, and went on to get his Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Education at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. While attending college in Lincoln, Leon married Merlyn Fosler in 1963. They had two daughters, Karen and Tracy.
Leon was an instructor at Southeast Community College in Milford in Electronics Technology for 42 years, retiring in 2014. In his retirement, he enjoyed playing golf, going to casinos and raising his Westie terrier dogs, as well as spending time at the local pub with life-long friends. Leon told us recently that he had been the first Eagle Boy Scout in Milford.
Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Merlyn; daughters, Karen Henrichs Schoenberg, of Lake Elmo, Minnesota, and Tracy White, of San Antonio, Texas; grandchildren, Tyler Henrichs (wife Aly), Tim Henrichs (wife Lonna), Alec White, Kalen White, and Aiden White; as well as five great-grandchildren, Eden, Vinny, Hunter, Brooks, and MacKenzie; brother, Al Williams of Sedona, Arizona; brothers-in-law, Earl Fosler, Alan Fosler, Jim Fosler, Scott Fosler, and their spouses; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Leon was preceded in death by his parents, and an infant sister, Marilyn J.
Leon’s wishes were clearly stated by him to anyone who asked: Cremation only, no party or services, and that his ashes be spread in the countryside of Milford. He loved driving those country roads with all the windows down, and the dust still inside his Red Tahoe proves it.
