Watch the Live-Stream of the Funeral HERE.
Owen Blair “OB” Williams, age 97, of Roosevelt, Utah, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2023.
Blair was born October 9, 1925, in Phoenix, Arizona, to Vernal and Emma Bergeta Jesperson Williams. Always a patriot, he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1943 and served in the Pacific Theater during World War II on the USS Bryant. Following the war, he served a mission in Argentina for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On October 7, 1949, he married the love of his life, Margaret Olson, in the Salt Lake Temple and together they built a life of love and service that has blessed their children, grandchildren, and many others.
Blair was known for outworking men 20 years younger than him and getting more done before 8:00 AM than many get done all day. He taught school for 34 years, ran a concrete construction company and a tax service business with his children, and held many other jobs. His grandchildren all knew that visiting the ranch meant getting up early and working with Grandpa.
An avid BYU fan, he used to wake his children each morning by boisterously singing “Rise and shout! The cougars are out!” Then he would gather them together for scripture study. He was devoted to the gospel of Jesus Christ and held many positions of responsibility in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He especially enjoyed working in the Young Men’s program and was instrumental in helping many young men earn their Eagle Scout awards. In his later years he returned to full-time missionary service, this time with Margaret, as they served missions in Mexico City and Guatemala City.
Blair is survived by his wife of 73 years, Margaret, of Roosevelt; his children, Jeffery (Sheila) Williams, Roosevelt; Forrest (Jenni) Williams, Tracy, California; Mark (Linda) Williams, San Jose, California; Linda (Steve) Stay, St. George; Saraphina Lee, Cibique, Arizona; Sheri (Alma) Hale, Marshall, Minnesota; Rebecca (Daniel) Orr, Aberdeen, South Dakota; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Carolyn Bargeron, Provo; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his children, Vernal Kent (Jessica) Williams and Margaret Anne Williams; his parents; his siblings, Verl Gaylen Williams, Velda Harward, Dalvin J Williams, Forrest Duane Williams and Colleen Beeson.
Blair was humble, optimistic, and generous. He believed everyone needed at least three hugs a day. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 1, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Myton Chapel. There will be a viewing that morning at the church from 9:30-10:45 a.m.
Burial will be in the Manila Cemetery with military honors provided by the American Legion, United States Navy Honor Guard, and the Patriot Guard Riders.
Saturday, July 1, 2023
9:30 - 10:45 am (Mountain time)
Myton Chapel (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
Saturday, July 1, 2023
Starts at 11:00 am (Mountain time)
Myton Chapel (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
Saturday, July 1, 2023
Starts at 3:00 pm (Mountain time)
Manila Cemetery
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