Duane “Bus” Williams

Duane “Buster” Henry Williams, 91, born of Kendallville, Indiana on April 24, 1925, passed away on Thursday March 30, 2017 in his home surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife Carol L. Williams of Union City, Indiana and children; Steven and wife Hania Williams of Kennesaw, Georgia; Cindy and husband Patrick Rooney of Jasper, Georgia; Mark and Lori Williams of Anderson, Indiana, and Lisa and husband Raymond Swift of Indianapolis, Indiana and son-in-law, Bill Parkhurst of West Lafayette, Indiana. Grandchildren: Jennifer Moore, Samantha Williams, Allison Ingram, Eric Williams, Christopher Bearden, Whitney Williams, Erin Williams, Karina Swift, Bailey Swift and many loved great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his father Jay C. Williams and mother Marvel E. Williams (Henry); sister, Willowdene and daughter Vicki L. Parkhurst.Duane enrolled at Purdue University in September of 1943 where he matriculated before being drafted for the army just six short weeks later. He became part of the 814th Combat Military Police in World War II as a personal bodyguard to General Douglas MacArthur in the South Pacific. After spending much time with the General, he turned down an opportunity to contribute to the rebuilding process in Tokyo to return home and finish his degree at Purdue. He received a BS in Mechanical Engineering in 1950 and was part of the Acacia fraternity. Duane married Henry Hellen Thacker on April 28, 1948. Together they had Steve and Cindy. After their divorce, Duane later married Carol L. Miller on August 25, 1962. She had two children, Vicki and Mark, from a previous marriage. Duane and Carol blended their families when Duane adopted Vicki and Mark. Together, Carol and Duane welcomed their daughter Lisa in November 1964.Duane was a member of the Greenwood Sertoma Club for 25 years. He enjoyed spending many days with his wife and friends on the golf course. He was also an accomplished jazz pianist, a member of the Who’s Who of America, and co-owner of Bus Williams and Associates with his wife Carol for 14 years. Duane, loving husband, father and granddad, lived a long and full life. All those close to him will miss the man they knew and loved but will remember the special impact he had on each of their lives. Funeral Services for Mr. Williams will be held on Monday, April 3, 2017 at 7:00 pm at Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service and Crematory, 481 W. Main Street, Greenwood, IN. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 5:00 until the time of service.