JOSEPH R. WILLIAMSON

Feb. 26, 1921 - Feb. 17, 2009
SOUTH BEND - Joseph R. Williamson, 87, formerly of Miami Trails in South Bend, died Tuesday, February 17, 2009 in the Sanctuary at St. Paul's Health Care Facility, South Bend, IN. He was born on February 26, 1921, in South Bend to Arthur B. and Stella (Borgerding) Williamson. He was preceded in death by his brother, James E. Williamson.

Joe was a graduate of Central High School where he was captain of the swimming team. He graduated from Purdue University in 1943 having received his B.S in Mechanical Engineering. While at Purdue, Joe captained the swimming team and won many awards for competitive swimming.

On New Years Eve, December 31, 1943 in Goldsboro, North Carolina he married Doris Muth, who survives. Joe served his country in the Army Air Corp where he attained the rank of 1st Lieutenant. From Goldsboro, North Carolina Joe and Do went to Yale University where Joe graduated from Officer Training School, then moved on to Mesa Arizona and finally to Chico, California. While stationed at Chico, their daughter, Joanne was born. Joanne and her husband David Dorenfeld survive and are residents of Houston, TX.

Joe was very proud that his daughter received her Doctorate in Music, singing as a soloist with the South Bend Symphony, and in Canada and Europe. Joe was a member of First Presbyterian Church of South Bend where he served as an usher for many years. He was in charge of the Audio Visual Team at Church that showed filmstrips to the Sunday School Classes. At Camp Eberhart he served as a Camp Counselor. At the Century Center in South Bend, he volunteered doing mailings announcing up-coming events. He was a past Kiwanian with the South Bend Kiwanis Club.

Joe retired in 1982 from the Bendix Corporation as "Chief Overseas Representative" having served mostly in Japan.

A celebration of Joe's life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 21, 2009 in the First Presbyterian Church, 333 West Colfax Ave. South Bend, IN 46601. Dr. Robert Agnew will officiate. Interment will take place in Riverview Cemetery, South Bend, IN. Memorial contributions may to be made to Camp Eberhart, 10481 Camp Eberhart Rd., Three Rivers, MI 49093 or to the Church or to the charity of the donor's choice. Palmer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Feb. 20, 2009.

03/13/2023 EJS