It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of our precious Poppy, who left us on October 18th, 2024, at the age of 84.

Full of love, laughter, and resilience, he touched the lives of all who knew him. He was a wonderful father and exceptional grandfather, who was always there, offering support, wisdom, and love in abundance.

Howard Edwin Williams “Poppy”

09/15/1940 - 10/18/2024

Born on September 15, 1940 to Louis and Emmie Williams in Henryville, TN. Edwin moved to New Madrid County, Missouri with his family at the age of 9 years old, where he was introduced to the “Farm Life.”  Working alongside his father, Edwin developed his strong work ethic, true love for working the land, and the simplicity of life on the farm. Farming until the age of 55, and then going on to work an additional 27 years for Riceland Foods. 

Edwin married Patricia Henry in 1964. During their 49 years of marriage they had three children. Twin boys, Larry and Gary, and daughter, Tina.

Poppy’s life motto was “It’s not about what you don’t have, it’s about taking care of what you do have.” Poppy was an avid baseball fan and an M&M Deli regular. He enjoyed all the simple things in life such as watching hummingbirds while drinking his coffee, taking levee rides to check the river, and spending time with his family. He especially enjoyed playing with his grandchildren.

Waiting at the Golden Gates to welcome Edwin to his eternal home was the Love of his life, “Trish” (Patricia Henry Williams), his parents, Sarah Emmie and Louis Howard Williams, twin brother, “Charlie” (Charles Edward Williams), sisters Gladys Wescoat and Margaret “Sissy” Chamberlain.

Leaving behind to cherish his memories are his children: Larry Williams of Sikeston, MO, Gary Williams of Cape Girardeau, MO, Tina (Richard) Martinez of New Madrid. Grandchildren: Landon and Emma Martinez of New Madrid, Joseph Williams of Cape Girardeau, Samuel Williams of Hagerstown, Maryland, Daniel Johnson of Matthews. Siblings: Virginia “Dee” Moore of Arnold, Faye (James) Box of Jacksonville, FL, Louis “Buck” Williams of New Madrid, Sheila (Jimmy) Bradley of Kewanee, and a host of extended family as well as friends he considered to be family.

A pillar of strength with immense wisdom and a heart of gold, his absence will forever leave a void in our hearts.

Poppy's visitation will be held Monday Oct 21,2024 from 5 pm to 8 pm at Richards Funeral Home in New Madrid

Memorial  services will be officiated by Pastor G.L. Keene on Tuesday Oct 22, 2024 at 1 pm at New Madrid Baptist Church in New Madrid

Pallbearers will be Landon Martinez, Joseph Williams, Samuel Williams, JB Small, Lee Shands and Alan Lancaster.

Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery