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Submitted: 11/5/21 • Approved: 11/5/21 • Last Updated: 11/8/21 • R467138-G467136-S3
Jesse F.
April 17, 1917-April 4, 1952
Lois Williams Johnston
November 27, 1917-May 15, 2009
Parents of Jesse & Diane
Please see 2nd markers
*Photo, courtesy of Robert L. Jones
*Obituary Jesse
Double funeral services were held for Arel Wilmerth Williams and Jesse Ferrel Williams of Sunray at the First Baptist Church of Wheeler Sunday, April 6, at 4:30 p.m. with the pastor, Rev. M.B. Smith, officiating.
The brothers died simultaneously early Friday morning, April 4, in an explosion which destroyed their father's home 7 miles northwest of Springer, New Mexico.
The brothers were on a fishing trip. Police theorized that they stopped at the dwelling, vacated about two months ago by their parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.S. Williams, now of Borger.
State Police Capt. Penn Winston of New Mexico blamed leaking artificial gas. He said it was believed a gas tank valve was left party [sic] open after a kitchen stove was moved out of the place about two weeks before.
Arel Wilmerth Williams was born at Indian Gap August 12, 1911 and Jesse Ferrel Williams was born at Hamil, April 17, 1917.
The Williams family were long time residents, since August 1918, of Wheeler County, having lived in the Bethel and Briscoe communities and also in Wheeler and Shamrock. The men each lived last in Wheeler County five years ago. Both were employees of the Shamrock Oil and Gas Corporation of Sunray at the time of their passing.
Survivors: Arel is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Sue Williams, and one daughter, Karen Sue, age 2; having lost one son, Richard Arel in 1949. He also has two sons by a previous marriage: Herbert Hansell and Wesley Gene, both in the service of their country at present and stationed in Calif. Jesse is survived by his wife, Lois Aderholt Williams, one son, Jesse Royce and one daughter, Peggy Diane; all of Sunray. The men are also survived by their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Walter S. Williams and one sister, Mrs. Bernice Osborn, all of Sunray.
Both men united with the Baptist Church at Bethel in boyhood.
Arrangements were under the direction of Clay Funeral Home, Shamrock, assisted by the Kirk-Mason Funeral Home of Wheeler.
Interment was in the Wheeler Cemetery.
(Published in The Wheeler Times, April 10, 1952)
*Obituary Lois
BORGER - Lois P. Johnston, 91, died Friday, May 15, 2009.
Services will be at 1 p.m. Monday in First Baptist Church in Wheeler with James Baker, pastor of Primitive Baptist Church in Amarillo, and Norman James of Elk City, Okla., officiating. Burial will be in Wheeler Cemetery in Wheeler by Wright Funeral Home of Wheeler.
Lois was born Nov. 27, 1917, to Lawrence and Virginia Aderholt. She graduated from Briscoe High School.
Lois was married to Jess Williams in 1939, and he passed away in 1952. Later in 1973, she married J.P. Johnston and they were married for 25 years.
She retired from Phillips Petroleum Co. with 30 years of service in Borger.
She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Doris Hays, Avis Allen and Moose Anderson; and a brother, Gerald Aderholt.
Survivors include a son, Jesse Williams and wife Juanita of Enid; a daughter, Diane Dellinger and husband Donavon of Amarillo; four sisters, Estelle Topper of Borger, Jonelle Grayson of Sayre, Okla., Rita Grayson of Allison and Armenda Jones of Tulia; a brother, Ray Aderholt of Fritch; a stepdaughter, Betty Martin and husband Jerry of Canyon; a grandson, Danny Ware of Enid; lots of nieces and nephews; and three good friends from Borger whom she played golf with for several years, Reba McDonald, Bertha Salinas and Peggy Harvey.
The family suggests memorials be to Borger Primitive Baptist Church, in care of Estelle Topper, 203 Warwick St., Borger, TX 79007.
Please sign the online guest book at www.wrightfuneraldirectors.com.
Amarillo Globe-News, May 17, 2009
Contributed on 11/5/21
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Record #: 467138