Howard Paul Williams has been residing at The Emeralds Nursing Home in Grand Rapids, MN for the past six years. He was diagnosed with COVID-19 on May 15, 2020 and passed away at St Mary"s Hospital in Duluth on May 22, 2020.

Howard was born in Wewoka, Oklahoma on September 10, 1935 to James Henry Williams and Sybil Ann Greene Williams. He was ordained to the ministry at the age of 16. He thought his first sermon would last at least thirty minutes, but with friends from school coming to hear him preach, it lasted all of five . . . probably the shortest sermon he ever preached.

After graduating from high school in Okemah, Ok, Howard served for nine years as an Electronics Technician in the US Navy, including one year overseas during the Vietnam War. He was blessed with a beautiful singing voice, so while in the service he led music at various churches in Connecticut and California.

After the service, he graduated from William Jewell College in Liberty, MO. While in college he served as Youth Pastor in Birmingham, MO and though Howard was not on the ballot, he was elected Mayor of that town. Following college, he attended Midwestern Theological Baptist Seminary in Kansas City, MO.

Howard then served as Pastor or Music Minister in various churches in Missouri, Colorado, Iowa, and Minnesota. He especially enjoyed directing choirs and has conducted over 50 cantatas. He was appointed as a Home Missionary by the North American Mission Board (Home Mission Board of the SBC) and served for two years in a church in Plymouth, MN.

In 1983, Howard accepted a position in Denver, CO as the Rocky Mountain Affiliate Relations Manager for the evangelical Christian Broadcast Network (CBN) which was founded by Pat Robertson of the 700 Club. Later CBN became The Family Channel. His responsibility was to sell this religious channel to cable companies in the nine surrounding states. Through the years he was privileged to meet various actors, actresses, and other celebrities.

Howard"s interests included golfing, fishing, bowling, football, and baseball. His hobby was leather working, making gifts for friends and family.

Howard married Darleen (Dee) Nelson on April 22, 1961 in Reno, Nevada. Together they have five children, Jim, Lakewood, CO; Scott, Grand Rapids, MN; Randy, Mechanicsville, NY; Tricia Blasdel (Scott), Troy, IL; Kimberly LaTour (Steve), Maple Lake, MN. They have 13 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, and 1 great, great grandchild.

He is survived by his wife Dee, and their children, brother Burton Williams (Janice), Borger, TX; sister-in-law Barbara Ulrich, (Alvin), Buffalo Lake, MN; sister-in-law, Rosie Nelson, Hutchinson, MN; and many nieces and nephews. Howard was preceded in death by his parents, and an infant brother.

Howard suffered a massive brain injury as a result of an auto accident on October 26, 2003. He had endured many health issues since that time, so it is a great comfort and joy knowing he is now at peace, out of pain, and present with the Lord. Philippians 1:21, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."

A memorial service may be planned for a later date.


Notes from the Family

"Poppy . . . since the day I was born, I have loved you! Today you passed away, 5/22/20. I still love you!" ~ Kimberly

"Dad, you were my best friend and I will really miss you!" ~ Randy

"Dad, you taught me a lot about Jesus and having a relationship with Him. I will miss hearing you read the Bible and singing. You were a great inspiration to me. I love you so much and will deeply miss you!" ~ Tricia

"Hey Poppy, Thanks for always being positive through rough times. Thanks for giving me unconditional love when I challenged you on so many things" Yep! We get along pretty good!" ~ Scott

"Dad, we may have lived far apart but who I am has a lot to do with you. Forever in my heart" ~ Jim

"Te Amo honey, Forever and Always" ~ Dee