Michael E. Williams was born on March 31, 1946, in Ogden, Utah, and passed away on February 8, 2023.
He was raised by hard-working parents who instilled in Michael a strong work ethic and a deep respect for the great outdoors. After graduating from Evanston High School, he answered his country’s call during the Vietnam War by joining the U.S. Navy. He deployed overseas more than nine times, twice to Vietnam, leading thousands of men and women literally in the service of our country.
He served in numerous A-6 Squadrons but mainly in EA-6B Prowler commands, where he specialized in the maintenance and repair of Naval Electronic Warfare aircraft and their components. Michael received many accolades for superior professional achievements, earning the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), the Navy Achievement Medal, and numerous service and campaign awards.
Advancing through the ranks from Seaman recruit to Commander, his 31 years of Naval Service was a source of great pride for him and his family. While on active duty, he was selected from more than four thousand candidates to pursue a bachelor’s degree and, in 1981, graduated magna cum laude from the University of Nebraska.
Following retirement from the U.S. Navy, he was employed with the Boeing Corporation as a manufacturing engineer at the Everett Washington facility. Mike was also a sheepherder and a great bullshitter.
Michael married Judy Williams (1966-1984) and they had two sons, Michael Williams, Jr, and Tyler Williams. He was also married to Marybeth Williams (1991-1996) and had one daughter Kelsey Williams, and one son Dylan Williams. The family would like to thank Maryann Hanson, his girlfriend, for the loving care in Michael’s final days. Mike also had several close friends in Evanston who filled up his world in Evanston.
