Stuart "Stu" Williams

Stuart Charles 'Stu' Williams, 54, passed away Friday, June 1, 2012 at Mercy Regional Health Center in Manhattan, Kansas. He was born on March 4, 1958 in Manhattan, Kansas, the son of Alvin Wayne 'Deak' and Edna Lorrin Hoft Williams. Stuart's great-grandfather was one of a group of early settlers who came in 1855 and settled Ashland Bottoms and Ashland Town. Stuart was honored to be a contributor to the family and their accomplishments. Stuart graduated from Manhattan High School in 1976. He completed his vocational technical training in 1977 in Building Trades at the Manhattan Vocational Technical College in Manhattan, Kansas. He was a Master Craftsman and enjoyed restoring many historic homes, including the current stone residence of his parents. He was a member of Boy Scouts of America Troop 278 and earned his Eagle Scout Badge in 1975. He also earned his 'God & Country' Badge. In 1986, he acquired Williams Appliance and Service Center on Poyntz Avenue in Manhattan, Kansas, which was started in 1951 by his father and uncle, Phillip M. Williams. After 54 years, the family business was sold in 2005. He was a member of the Riley County Historical Society, Friends of the Wolf House and an active member of the Kaw Valley Rodeo Association. Stuart was a member of and christened on May 25, 1958 at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Manhattan, Kansas. Stuart and his first wife, Jane Del Baugh Williams, were united in marriage on April 18, 1982. They later divorced. They were blessed with two beautiful children, Daniel Xavier Williams and Katelyn Elizabeth North. On March 20, 1997, Stuart was united in marriage to Nancy Buckingham in Las Vegas, Nevada. She survives of the home. He is survived by his father and mother, Alvin and Edna Williams of Manhattan, Kansas; one sister, Kay Elizabeth Williams, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; one brother, Vincent Richard Williams and his wife Linda of Orange County, California; one niece, Emily Louise and one nephew, Ian Marshall, one son, Daniel Xavier Williams and his wife Mindy of Manhattan, Kansas; one daughter, Katelyn Elizabeth North and her husband, Michael Scott of Anchorage, Alaska and one granddaughter, Alice Ender North; one step-son, Herbert Michael Shanks, Jr., Manhattan; and numerous cousins. Family will received friends during a visitation from 5 - 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 330 Sunset Avenue, Manhattan, with Rev. Michael T. Schmidt officiating. Internment will follow at the Ashland Cemetery. Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website located at www.irvinparkview.com In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Boy Scouts of America - Camp Fund, Inc.; the Riley County Historical Society - Wolf House Museum Restoration, Ashland Community Church, or St. Luke's Lutheran Church Endowment Fund or the Ashland Community Church or St. Luke's Lutheran Church Endowment Fund. Contributions may be left in care of Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home - 1317 Poyntz Avenue - Manhattan, Kansas