Dr. John W. Williams

Dr. John W. Williams of Greenfield died October 13, 2020 at the age of 75.

He was born June 1, 1945 in Indianapolis to the late Mert and Anna Williams.

John graduated from Cathedral High School and went on to serve in the military achieving an honorable discharge from the US Army Airborne 101st Division, Sergeant.

After his military service he received a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Indiana University, a MBA from the University of Notre Dame and continued his love for learning by obtaining a Master of Arts (St. Mary of the Woods), Master of Theological Studies (St. Meinrad) and a Doctorate of Ministry (Graduate Theological Foundation).

John highly appreciated nature, creation and reveled in seeing God display Himself in daily occurrences. He was a stimulating facilitator and implored audiences to dig deeper on how God related to man. The young and old appreciated his perspectives about God and their relationship to them and how to make that grow.

John had a deep love for God, his family and a strong Marian devotion which supported his faith. Graduating from Notre Dame was the highlight of his educational career. Being a Chaplain for hospice patients became the hallmark of his professional pursuits and becoming a member of the Lay Franciscan Fraternity strengthened his focus for community outreach.

John experienced Christ Renews His Parish Retreat 40 years ago at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Carmel, IN. This experience spurred him to request creation for this retreat program at St. Lawrence Parish in Indianapolis when he moved to Indianapolis a few years later. With the grace of God, it was a great success.  He became involved in helping other parishes in the city to start this program.

Cursillo retreats was another step in his spiritual formation as he was involved in several “seed” teams to help continue this program. His faith was best portrayed in one-on-one conversations with others but he was also asked to speak to groups to assist them in their relationship with Christ by telling them about his walk with Christ during his lifetime.

“That Man IS You” is another program that caused him to get up at 4:30 a.m. every Tuesday to facilitate discussions with other men about God’s direction for their lives.

Becoming a member of the Lay Franciscan Fraternity was his most recent endeavor. Meeting with The People of Peace was a genuine way to follow the philosophy of St. Francis of Assisi and culminated his need to share his gifts with others.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years Leslie M. Williams; daughter Laurie (Vaughn K.) Taylor; grandchildren Michael Williams, Aaron Taylor, Anne Michelle Taylor, Alexander Taylor, and Avery Taylor; great-grandchildren Michael Williams and Di’Angelo Williams; sisters Mary Williams and Debra A. Williams; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his son John W. Williams II; sister Diann Young; and his parents.

Visitation will be held Saturday, October 17 from 9 until the time of his Mass at 11 AM in St. Simon the Apostle Catholic Church, 8155 Oaklandon Rd, Indianapolis.

Memorials in his name may be made to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, 1250 Fourth St, Santa Monica, CA 90401.