Wayne C. Williams, 80, of Frankfort, died September 7, 2023 at Franciscan Health Lafayette East in Lafayette, Ind. He was born on April 3, 1943 in Anderson, Indiana to Lewis Jordan and Montrue Olive (Conrad) Williams. Wayne spent many hours on a tractor and raising cattle on his parent’s Hoosier Homestead Farm. In 1963, while a junior and president of Terri Courts at Purdue, he cut Peggy out of the herd. He married her, Margaret “Peggy” Wilkinson, on December 26, 1966 in Clermont, Indiana and she survives.
Wayne was a 1961 Markleville High School graduate, earned his BS degree in Agronomy from Purdue University in 1965, and earned his MS in Community Development from the University of Louisville in 1973. Wayne worked for the Clinton County Purdue Cooperative Extension Service as an Agricultural Educator, teaching farmers about no-till, management and safety for 37 years, supporting farmers with financial management tools, retiring in 2001. He was active in planning the Clinton County 4-H Community Building and started a catering business serving meals for many events in the building.
He was a member of the First Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Frankfort, serving on the Board of Trustees and as Deacon. His involvement in the community was vast, including serving on the Area Plan Commission and helping write the county’s first area plan, serving as president and board member of the Opportunity Center, president of Abilities Services, past distinguished president and “Mr. Pancake” of Kiwanis, two-time recipient of the Sagamore of the Wabash award, 1986 Citizen of the Year, serving on the United Way Board of Directors, helping organize Leadership Clinton County and serving on that board of directors, recipient of the 1990 Senior Ag Award from Indiana Extension Agent Association and earning the distinguished service award in 1993, serving on the Frankfort Main Street board, working to start the first Hot Dog Festival. Other involvement included the Clinton County Hospital Foundation, Main Street Board, Pork Producers, Head Start, Step Ahead, Lilly Grant Planning, and Clinton County Foundation for Youth. And last but not least, the Indiana State Manure Management Committee!
Wayne stayed active in retirement serving in elected offices as Clinton County Commissioner and Frankfort County Councilman. He continued serving the community as one of the Principle founders of the Crossing school, working with Community Corrections to start the local Ankle bracelet program, serving on Frankfort Community Public Library Board of Trustees and where he also served as the barista in Harry’s Coffee Shop. Like his father, he grew his passion for woodworking. Wayne spent many hours in his workshop mastering the scroll saw creating pieces that now adorn the homes and offices of his friends and family. You too may enjoyed his art at Friends of Frankfort Public Library Art Show, Harry’s Coffee Shop, or the Wesley Manor Gift Store.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Wayne’s honor to the Clinton County Boys & Girls Club, P.O. Box 103, Frankfort, IN 46041.
Visitation and Services
A memorial service will be held at 12 Noon, Saturday, October 28, 2023 at the First Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 352 W. Clinton St., Frankfort. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. until time of service at the church.
Survived by:
Surviving along with his wife, Peggy are his Daughters: Dama Napier of Seymour and Sara Kay Williams of Frankfort; Granddaughter: Hannah Napier of Seymour; and Sister: Virginia (Bob) Nibarger of Cornelius, NC.
Preceded by:
He was preceded by parents and brother, Howard Williams.
I’m so sorry to learn of the loss of Wayne. My prayers are with you all.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleI’m so sorry for your loss, Peggy. Prayers for you and your family.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleMentor to look up to, especially at the Ark meetings. Great father to Sara how he spent time with her. Love and prayers, Linda Clark.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleWayne was a special person and he will be missed by many. Thinking of Peggy and the rest of the family.
Peace be with you.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleSo sorry for your loss. He was a great man! He is the reason I presently live in Frankfort. Interesting he mentions manure management as one of his life achievements.. but not his service as a County Commissioner. He was also one of the principle founders of the Frankfort Crossing School which is helping many youth even today. I cherish even more the wooden eagle he made me a few years ago from his love of wood working. Thank you Wayne for a life well lived!
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Facebook Twitter GoogleThe amount of good that Wayne accomplished in just 80 years cannot be measured. He is one of those rare individuals who was easy to love (even if you did not agree with him). HE WILL BE MISSED — BUT NOT FORGOTTEN.
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Facebook Twitter GooglePeggy and Family,
So sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. He was a great guy! I first met him when I took over managing Harry’s and he volunteered there. Every time I saw him after that we had a conversation. One of the nicest guys out there. Thinking of you!
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Facebook Twitter GooglePeggie and Girls, I’m so sorry for your loss. Wayne was an AMAZING Man. To know him was to love him!!! He will be greatly missed. You’re all in my thoughts and prayers
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Facebook Twitter GoogleLosing Wayne Williams is such a loss to our community. Wainscott family condolences to his family. God speed to his soul.
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Facebook Twitter GooglePeggy and family,
I am heartbroken for you all right now. I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Wayne when moving here and soon afterwards Peggy. I have the highest opinion of you both and wish you all of the comfort possible in the coming days.
Prayers will be continued for you all
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Facebook Twitter GoogleI am at a loss for words. Wayne was a mentor to me when I began at United Way. He was one of the first people who talked with me about what it was like to have a Special needs child. Wayne was involved with so many organizations over the years. This is a huge loss for this community. Prayers for Peggy & family
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Facebook Twitter GoogleSo sorry for your loss , my prayers to Peggy and the girls. God Bless
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Facebook Twitter GoogleMy sincere condolences to the family of Wayne Williams. Wayne was one of the ‘good guys’ who dedicated his life to helping others succeed. I first met Wayne when I was an Ag Econ student at Purdue while working summers on the Claire Gossard farm near Scircleville in the late 1970’s. Wayne mentioned to me that Dr. Howard Doster was having a Purdue Top Farmer computer workshop at the County Extension Office that evening and suggested I stop by to see what it was all about. Wayne introduced me to Howard, and immediately Howard drafted me to help him with the workshop. That moment was the beginning of my lifelong career using computer technology to solve business problems. A dozen years later, I was asked to find a last-minute location for (then) Lt. Governor Frank O’Bannon’s public hearings about the US Farm Bill. I called Wayne to ask if he could help, Wayne graciously accepted, he made it happen and it was a great success.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleI will miss Wayne’s good cooking, especially his grilled burgers. He was king of the grill and knew where to get the best cuts of meat in town. He taught me to appreciate what it takes to get the food from the farmer to the table. I loved his big garden in the country and the transparent apples. I never made chocolate chip cookies as good as he liked so I had to keep making them to try to reach his level of perfection. My children and grandchildren treasure his wooden creations, jewelry boxes, puzzles and ornaments. The favorite sports games were always on when the family gathered for the holidays. Wayne will be greatly missed. Thinking of my sister, nieces and his granddaughter.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleI knew Wayne when my kids were involved in Clinton County 4-H. I also knew Wayne through my involvement in agriculture in Clinton County. Wayne was a good man, willing to talk with you, give you advice or just say hello. Wayne will be missed in the community and by his friends and family. I celebrate his life and send my condolences to his family.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleWayne and Peggy were the first people we met when we moved to Clinton County. Lovely man, a lovely couple. We are so very sorry for his loss to Peggy and his girls.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleWayne welcomed me whole-heartily to the Frankfort community when I first arrived. He sponsored my membership in the Frankfort Kiwanis Club and accepted my encouragement to serve on the library board. He was always kind to me and he cared about people around him. A great man.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleWayne, you will be missed! All the time you spent on the Clinton County Transportation Group. All the times that you helped me! You were special to me then and you continue to be special to me now. Especially since I got to know Peggy! Much love to you Peggy. Jo Ellen Ogle
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Facebook Twitter GoogleDear Peggy, Sara, and Dama:
My condolences on the passing of your beloved husband and father. I enjoyed many thoughtful conversations with Wayne in Harry’s Coffee Shop from 2012-2019, and knew of some of his community service but not all of it.
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Facebook Twitter GooglePeggy,
I was so sorry to hear about Wayne’s passing. I remember working for him at so many meals at the 4H building. He was such a kind man. I am praying for you and your girls.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleI will forever know Wayne as Farmer Wayne. He was a beacon of positivity and a role model for me as a young child. Sending much love to Peggy and his family.
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