Howard Virgil Williams, 86, of South Sioux City,NE, passed away Friday, May 5, 2017, at a local hospital surrounded by his family. As per his request, there will be no formal or public service and a private family services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City.

Howard was born at home, in rural Hinton, Iowa, to Earl and Laura (Smith) Williams on September 15, 1930.

Howard attended country school before attending Woodrow Wilson in Sioux City. He had to leave his family and live by himself in a boarding house hallway, in order to attend junior high school. He paid for his boarding by manually setting pins in a bowling alley and having a paper route. He attended high school in Westfield and Hinton, Iowa, graduating from Hinton in 1948.

He was drafted into the Army in 1950 and attended Ordnance Automotive School in Atlanta, Georgia, and received near-perfect scores. He spent a few years living and working in California.

After returning to Iowa, he bought his first farm in Westfield as a bachelor until marrying Doris Ross on April 11, 1958. During this time, he worked in the meat-packing industry, mainly Cudahy and Swift & Company, ending his meat-packing career in the early 60’s. In 1966, he moved his family to a farm near Merrill, IA, for the better farmland and so his children could attend a larger school district. While farming, he was also employed as a diesel mechanic at International Harvester until 1975. Howard raised crops and livestock, including cattle and hogs. He retired from farming in 1992 and moved with Doris to South Sioux City, Nebraska, to be closer to family.

During his lifetime, Howard enjoyed gun shows, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family. He was well-read and never stopped learning. He taught himself the necessary information to be a machinist: making custom bolts, gears, steam engines, and tools. He was also a woodworker and made numerous furniture pieces for his home and for his family. After Doris’s death, Howard shared his cooking abilities through weekly family suppers.

Survivors include son, Rick (Heidi) Williams (grandchildren: Jeremy Williams, Ricki Thomas, Sarah Williams, Brandon Williams, Michael Williams, Hannah Williams, and twins, Seth and Sadie Williams; great-grandchildren: Cody Williams, Alexandra Williams, Braxton Williams, Adeline Beary and Cadence King, Jewells Williams, and Miralyn Williams) and daughters: Lynn Anderson (granddaughter: Jessica (Greg) Jorgensen) and Kathy (Steve) Koch (grandchildren: Kelsey (Matthew) Husk, Whitney (Luke) Terry and Taylor Koch; great-grandchild Raine Terry and a baby boy on the way). Also surviving Howard are siblings: Richard, Paul, Gary, and Doris Williams. He is survived by sister-in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Howard was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and siblings: Lester Williams, Melvin Williams, John Williams, Daryl Williams, and Jean Woodruff. Additionally, he was preceded in death by his very good friend, Donnie Schultz, and his miniature schnauzer, Harley.

Howard was an organ donor, and tissues were given to the Iowa Donor’s Network.