Hubert Vaughn Williams, 94 of Spearfish and formerly of Whitewood passed away on Tuesday, February 09, 2010 of natural causes at Tender Care Assisted Living in Spearfish.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 13, 2010 at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel in Spearfish. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. until the time of the service.

A memorial has been established to benefit the Whitewood Volunteer Fire Department and the Whitewood Parks Department.

Hubert was born May 11, 1915 in Spearfish, South Dakota to Sanford H. and Catherine Louise (Ratliff) Williams. The family later moved to Deadwood where he worked and attended schools graduating from Deadwood High School. He was a natural in sales and as a young man worked in the insurance industry and then as an advertising salesman and announcer for KDSJ radio station. He then pursued his own business during his middle years as owner of a credit bureau and printing shop, printing anything from placements to business forms to shopper's guides. After selling his business he managed the Homestake and Chadron Theaters where he sent many scurrying from the balcony. He was also a musician starting his own orchestra which contained up to fourteen members known as the Melody Knights. They provided music for singing and dancing in many towns in Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska and North and South Dakota. When the big band era slowed down the band split up and played gigs in some of the same places. They also hosted many street dances in Deadwood and had a regular jamboree night at the famous Latchstring Inn in Spearfish Canyon. After retirement, Hubert and his wife Ruth, made their home in Whitewood, SD for many years. Hubert was also active in many service groups throughout the years.

He is survived by his wife Ruth, residing at Tendercare Assisted Living, daughter Marilyn (Gary) Jahnke, Gillette, WY; son Larry (Linda) Williams, Belle Fourche, SD; step-daughters Deanna Cooper, Whitewood, Leona Wildberger, Sheridan WY; sisters Cloa Kemble, Rapid City, SD, Yvonne Hanson, Roseville, CA; 12 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Wilma, brothers, Harold, Leon and Emery; and sisters Zelma Dunn, Lorraine Thompson, Dorothea Holt and Jean Williams.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel & Crematory of Spearfish, SD. Online condolences may be written at: www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com.