Obituary of Chesley Arnold Williams

Chesley Arnold Williams May 17, 1927-Aug.13, 2009 Chesley Arnold Williams, son of Sid and Etta Davis Williams, died on August 13, 2009 in Vancouver, Washington at the age of 82. Chesley was born in Arkansas, May 17, 1927. At the age of 13, Chesley's family moved from Arkansas to Kansas where he soon began work as a "Rough Neck" on an oil drilling rig. At age 17 Chesley enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country honorably in the Philippines until the end of WWII. In 1951 Chesley married Glenda Magie, moved to Norwalk, California, and soon had three healthy children. Chesley continued to work in oil refining and as the Head Operator of the Crude Unit for Gulf Oil Company, Chesley retired in 1994. Ches was known for his pragmatism, ingenuity, creativity, musicianship, work ethic, and love of nature. His garage was packed full of interesting collections and projects but he always saved room enough for a pellet gun shooting range in case a grandchild arrived as a visitor. Chesley won many awards with his beautiful Bonsai trees and was recognized as a Bonsai Master. He also produced many works of art with creativity and unique use of materials. Above all, Chesley loved to entertain while singing and playing the guitar. He knew hundreds of songs and for many years shared his talents every Sunday at retirement homes throughout Southern California. As the songs began to fade one by one from Chesley's memory, he closed his final show with "Sentimental Journey." Chesley lived in the Isai Family Home the last five years of his life, where he was happy and lovingly cared-for. As he began to pass away his children came to surround him with love, prayers and song. Of the gifts Chesley gave, the gift of music and song were the most memorable. Many of his children and grandchildren continue to sing and perform. Chesley is survived by brother Sherril Williams of Seal Beach, CA, two sisters, Opal Crabtrey of Fresno, CA, and Ina Mae Wentzel of Omaha, Nesbraska; son Curtis A. Williams of Big Fork Montana and his children Hannah Williams, Daniel Williams and Lucas Williams of Seattle and Jessie Williams of Big Fork; his daughter Jan Williams Boulé and son-in-law Peter Boulé, of Vancouver WA, and their children Matt Boulé of Tokyo, Japan, and Jenna Boulé of San Francisco, CA; daughter Cynthia Williams Amatisto and son-in-law Michael Amatisto of Whittier, CA, and their children Jacob Amatisto of Whittier, CA, and Carly Amatisto of Sacramento, CA A graveside service with military honors will be held Friday, August 28, 2009 at 3:00 PM at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland. Straub's Funeral Home & Columbia River Cremation in Camas was in charge of the arrangements. To send condolences or to sign the online guestbook visit www.straubsfuneralhome.com.