Wilbur Glenn Williams
On Tuesday morning, February 16, 2021, at 7:30 a.m., Wilbur Glenn Williams died peacefully in his Marion home. He leaves behind his wife, Ardelia Lee (Smith) Williams (age 96), after celebrating their 69th wedding anniversary. Wilbur was born at home in Gas City on August 28, 1929. His father, William Thomas Williams, served as Caretaker for Fairmount Campground and his mother, Margaret Idelta (Picket) Williams, was the last living charter member of Eastview Wesleyan Church. Wilbur and Ardelia met at Indiana Wesleyan University (formerly Marion College), graduated, and started their family. After Indiana, they moved to Littleborough, England, where Wilbur attended Manchester University for one year. They returned to Indiana for a short time, relocated to New Jersey, where Wilbur worked in New York City. In 1967, Wilbur answered the call to teach at Indiana Wesleyan University, where he only recently retired from his 50th year. He touched over 17,250 lives at the University, where he continued going to his office to be available to students for prayer and guidance until December 2020. Many were privileged to travel to the Holy Land, whether for an archaeological dig or a Bible tour. Both Jewish and Arabic communities knew and welcomed him warmly. He is recognized for the unique way he taught Old Testament lessons “in character” as King David, Hosea, Jeremiah, etc. Wilbur and Ardelia left their fingerprints all over the Indiana Wesleyan University campus with numerous stained-glass windows, planned in collaboration and executed by Ardelia, the Prayer Chapel, scholarships for students, donations of time, salary, and so much more. Dr. Williams was an inspiration to all, a father to many, a guide to more, and always obedient to God in all things. Surviving Wilbur are his three daughters, Ranada Grossman, Lasana Ritchie, and Malana Harpst; his elder brother, Wayne Williams, who resides with his family in California; seven grandchildren: Landon Ritchie, Sterling Harpst, Hailey Harpst, Corban Ritchie, Lauren Harpst, Keanon Ritchie, and Khesed Ritchie; and two great-granddaughters: Hadley Harpst and Hayden Harpst. A double memorial service for Wilbur and his wife, Ardelia, will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, May 3, 2021, at College Wesleyan Church, 200 E. 38th St., Marion, IN. Pastor Steve DeNeff will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to Indiana Wesleyan University, referencing Wilbur and Ardelia Williams Memorial in the memo line. Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN 46952. Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.Obituary
On Tuesday morning, February 16, 2021, at 7:30 a.m., Wilbur Glenn Williams died peacefully in his Marion home. He leaves behind his wife, Ardelia Lee (Smith) Williams (age 96), after celebrating their 69th wedding anniversary. Wilbur was born at home in Gas City on August 28, 1929. His father, William Thomas Williams, served as Caretaker for Fairmount Campground and his mother, Margaret Idelta (Picket) Williams, was the last living charter member of Eastview Wesleyan Church. Wilbur and Ardelia met at Indiana Wesleyan University (formerly Marion College), graduated, and started their family. After Indiana, they moved to Littleborough, England, where Wilbur attended Manchester University for one year. They returned to Indiana for a short time, relocated to New Jersey, where Wilbur worked in New York City. In 1967, Wilbur answered the call to teach at Indiana Wesleyan University, where he only recently retired from his 50th year. He touched over 17,250 lives at the University, where he continued going to his office to be available to students for prayer and guidance until December 2020. Many were privileged to travel to the Holy Land, whether for an archaeological dig or a Bible tour. Both Jewish and Arabic communities knew and welcomed him warmly. He is recognized for the unique way he taught Old Testament lessons “in character” as King David, Hosea, Jeremiah, etc. Wilbur and Ardelia left their fingerprints all over the Indiana Wesleyan University campus with numerous stained-glass windows, planned in collaboration and executed by Ardelia, the Prayer Chapel, scholarships for students, donations of time, salary, and so much more. Dr. Williams was an inspiration to all, a father to many, a guide to more, and always obedient to God in all things. Surviving Wilbur are his three daughters, Ranada Grossman, Lasana Ritchie, and Malana Harpst; his elder brother, Wayne Williams, who resides with his family in California; seven grandchildren: Landon Ritchie, Sterling Harpst, Hailey Harpst, Corban Ritchie, Lauren Harpst, Keanon Ritchie, and Khesed Ritchie; and two great-granddaughters: Hadley Harpst and Hayden Harpst. A double memorial service for Wilbur and his wife, Ardelia, will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, May 3, 2021, at College Wesleyan Church, 200 E. 38th St., Marion, IN. Pastor Steve DeNeff will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to Indiana Wesleyan University, referencing Wilbur and Ardelia Williams Memorial in the memo line. Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN 46952. Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
Events
02:00 PM
Marion, IN 46953