Robert Dean "Bob" Williams

Robert “Bob” Williams passed away unexpectedly in his sleep September 14, 2023, at his home in Fort Myers, FL.

Born in Wichita, KS, to Elmer & Frances Williams, he grew up on the family farm, Sunny Acres Pony Farm in Kirksville, MO.

Bob was a member of the first graduating class of the “new” Kirksville High School and upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He proudly served his country and was a Marine at heart for life.

Following his discharge from the Marine Corps, Bob enrolled at Northeast Missouri State College [now Truman University] in Kirksville, MO where he earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees followed by a PhD from the University of Kansas in audiology and speech pathology. He worked for the Area Education Agency 15 in Ottumwa, IA for over 25 years and concluded his career in Fairfax, VA public schools as a speech pathologist.

His young students affectionately referred to him as “Dr. Bob” and were always thankful he never gave them a shot! Dr. Bob was kind, gentle, and extremely patient and never sat at a desk but rather with his students on the floor. He was delighted to return to working with students in Virginia, after working in a supervisory role in Iowa.

Bob married Joyce Ewing in 1965. They raised their two sons, Christian & Todd, in Ottumwa, IA.

After Joyce’s death in 2000, he reconnected with high school sweetheart Debbie Bohon Kelly. They married in 2002, residing in Fairfax, VA and ultimately retired in Fort Myers, FL.

Bob and Debbie were able to see the entire blended family in Colorado this past spring over several weeks. In addition to attending granddaughter Zoe’s high school graduation, they had the great pleasure of attending granddaughter Maddie’s officer commissioning and graduation from the Air Force Academy. Bob was incredibly flattered and proud to render her first salute.

Bob is survived by loving wife Debbie, sons Christian (Kellie) and Todd (Tracy) Williams, and bonus children Molly (Bill Walsh) and Erin Kelly; grandchildren Maddie, Chance, Max and Lane Williams; Tucker, Cooper and Zoe Kelly-Walsh; and Alex and Dean Kelly- all who adored him. He is also survived by his brother Richard (Kay) Williams. He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Joyce, and daughter-in-law Sareana Kelly.

Bob loved spending time with his family and golfing as often as possible. He was a kind and gentle spirit who will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.

Interment will be at Maple Hills Cemetery in Kirksville, MO with a Graveside service on June 22nd, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. A Celebration of Life will follow the graveside service at the Kirksville Country Club.

Condolences may be posted on www.fullermetz.com/tributes

Funeral Arrangements in the care of Playle-Rimer-Millard Funeral Chapel.