Kenneth "Ken" James Williams left peacefully in his sleep with his family by his side in his home on December 18th, 2015 in Saint Onge.


Ken was born in Rapid City on January 30, 1957. He was born to Keith and Marilyn (Roberts) Williams. He graduated from Stevens High School in 1975. After graduation Ken enrolled in college at South Dakota State University, He also joined the Army National Guard and proudly served his country for 22 years. Ken worked for the Lawrence County Highway Department for 24 years. He also was an active member in the community of Whitewood where he spent many years serving on the City Council and as Mayor. Ken was a member of the United Church of Christ in Saint Onge, the Western Dakota Antique Club, and the Green Mountain Tractor Pullers.

In 1979, he met the love of his life, Mary Derosier, at the Saint Onge rodeo. Not looking for an 8 second ride he decided to get married and had 3 children who blessed him with the light of his eyes, his grandchildren. One of his greatest pleasures in life was antique tractors. The family spent many wonderful years together chasing tractors around. His favorite tractors were the Avery, Oliver, and W9. He also spent many hunting seasons tromping through the snow looking for his trophy buck.

Ken is survived by his wife, Mary. His children and grandchildren: Jeanette, Brad, Kailyn, Quinten, and Cameron Carlson, Justin, Heidi, Radlie, and Rigyn Williams, Andrea, Marty, and Sydney Pedersen. He is also survived by: his mother, Marilyn, his brother Gene and Tammy, his sisters Joanne and Dale Smith, Judy and Jim Love. He also left behind his spoiled rotten dogs Oliver and Tucker, and his cat Lily. He will be greatly missed by other members of his family and friends that he greatly treasured.

He is preceeded in death by: his father Keith Williams, his step-father Fred Simmons, and his grandparents.

A memorial service will take place on Wednesday, December 23rd, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at the Saint Onge United Church of Christ. All are welcome to attend and celebrate the life of Kenneth. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to one of the following established memorials: Hospice of the Northern Hills, Western Dakota Antique Club, or the St. Onge United Church of Christ.