John Carl Williams

John Carl Williams, 85, was called Home to the loving arms of Jesus on April 19, 2026.

He was born April 3, 1941 in Detroit and moved back to his hometown of Manistique, MI, in the UP, when a few months old. His parents were Nina (Yoder) Williams, and Addison Williams. His father was killed in a work accident when John was six, something which greatly affected his life. His Grandpa Yoder, a veterinarian turned farmer, stepped in as a substitute father-figure, and gave John many enriching weekend hours on a farm, milking cows and learning to love animals. His Mom remarried a few years later, and George Rubick became a kind stepfather to John. As a 10 yr old, John became a loving big brother to Bill Rubick, helping his Mom with much of his care.

John graduated in 1959 from Manistique HS, and then from Northern Michigan University in Marquette, MI. He earned additional credit toward an advanced degree, primarily at the University of Michigan. As a trumpeter, John loved music, and chose to be a music major for the first portion of his education, then changing to economics. He worked as a labor economist in Michigan, Idaho, Alaska and New Mexico. When he desired to return to Manistique, a smaller town, no positions as an economist were available, so he worked at an auto dealership as parts manager, and then as asst cashier at State Savings Bank.

John loved his Lord, all his life. His mother taught him all about Jesus from his early childhood. He was an American Baptist, then a member of a Four Square congregation, and after our move to Sierra Vista we became members of the Church of Palominas (AG) There we have found a warm family: Pastor Dale Stoner; Martha, his wife; Marla, his sister-in-law; and Jonathan, his nephew---and so many others who've loved us through Women's Ministries, and in other ways, as well. As our own kids live in OH and PA, and though John enjoyed their seeing us about every year, closer assistance means so much at times.

After his being alone for 8 years, and I, 7 years, our Lord called the two lonesome folks from SW OH and the UP to meet-long story--and we immediately fell in love, marrying 1 1/2 months after meeting. I thank God that we've been in love all 34 years!

We have loved little furkids before we were married and just as much afterward. We have loved raccoons (John raised 3!); bunnies, 6; Pomeranians, 2; cats, 2.

John's family include his daughter, Cindy Barlow (deceased); brother, Bill (Sue) Rubick, WI; my own children, Pete (JoAnne) Byers, OH; Kate (Rachel Lehman, PA; 6 grandchildren (Katie and Zach, Melissa and Jason, Elijah and Miriam) and 2 great-granddaughters.

"John, we'd hoped to go Home together, perhaps in the Rapture, but you had a glorious head-start.

It won't be long at all, though, before you'll see me crossing over, as you wait upon the shore"

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