Wilbert Ben Williams

Wilbert Ben Williams, 93, of Mission, Kansas died Thursday, September 7, 2023 at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission.

A memorial service will be 2:00 pm, Saturday, September 16, 2023 at Amos Family Funeral Home, 10901 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, Kansas 66203 with a reception to follow.

Wilbert Benjamin Williams, Sr. was born on May 12, 1930, in Morrow, Louisiana to Viola Fontenot and Rev. Ananias Williams. He was the third of four boys. Wilbert, who was lovingly referred to as Ben, would go on to live a life that would become a testament to resilience, love, and laughter.

Ben graduated from Sumner High School in Kansas City, KS, and then joined and served in the United States Air Force. He proudly served his country. His unwavering commitment to duty and service left a lasting legacy, instilling in all who knew him a deep appreciation for sacrifice and patriotism.

Shortly thereafter, he met Georgianna Carter, who would soon become the love of his life. The two wed in August of 1955 and welcomed two children, Candace Renee and Wilbert Ben Jr. and his family would call Kansas City, Missouri their home until he was transferred with Amoco Oil to Urbandale, Iowa in 1976. For several years, Ben worked diligently at Amoco, where he contributed his skills and expertise to his colleagues and became a respected member of the workforce. His strong work ethic and dedication earned him the admiration and respect of his peers until he retired in 1990.

They lived a wonderful life there before deciding to move back to Kansas City in 2018.

Coming back to Kansas City, allowed Ben the opportunity to spend more time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He had a true passion for traveling the world and making others laugh. When he wasn’t cracking jokes, he worked in his yard, spent time with his beloved dog, Ajax, or beat anyone in a game of dominoes or Bid Whist.

Ben had a true gift of bringing joy and laughter into the lives of those around him. His sense of humor was infectious, and he had an innate talent for making even the gloomiest days brighter. His jokes, anecdotes, and quick wit were the source of endless smiles and laughter, creating cherished memories that will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

He leaves behind a loving family who will forever hold him close in their hearts. He is preceded in death by his parents, Viola and Ananais, and his brothers, Landry and Lee. To carry on his legacy, he leaves behind his devoted wife, Georgianna Williams, his brother James Williams, his sister Katherine Williams, his two children, Candace Renee Cheatem and Ben Williams, Jr. (Marilyn), his grandchildren, Tiffany Green (Patrick), Christle Reed (Corey), Megan Wiliams, and Benjamin Williams, III, his great-grandchildren, Madison, Caleb, Cali, Patrick and Caden, his sidekick Ajax, along with many friends and extended family members.

Though Ben has left this world, his spirit will live on through the laughter he brought into our lives, the love he shared, and the memories we hold dear. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy of humor, passion, and dedication will continue to inspire and uplift us as we remember the remarkable man he was.