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IDAHO COUNTY FREE
PRESS APRIL 28, 1976 Former Mayor and
Comissioner, R.D. (Dud) Williams Dies at 71 R.D. (Dud) Williams, 71, former Grangeville mayor and Idaho County commissioner, died April 21 at the Idaho County Nursing Home, where he had been a patient for one week. He was born June 7, 1904, at Sundance, Wyoming to Mr. and Mrs. Fred J. Williams. He received his education at Newcastle Wyoming. Williams married Helena Kunde, March 31, 1928, at Spearfish, South Dakota. After living in various towns in South Dakota they moved to Grangeville in 1937 from Malta, Montana, where he was associated with a utility company. Upon their arrival in Grangeville they owned and operated a Gambles Store, later Western Auto Supply Co., until they sold it in 1968. Williams was mayor of Grangeville for three consecutive terms from 1951 to 1957. During that time major community improvements included; construction of a sewer disposal plant; an armory; first LID street paving project; and a bond issue for the city parking lot on which the Grangeville Centennial Library is located. Williams worked to obtain the Idaho County Airport which started as a city- county project when he was serving on the City Council. Eventually the county took over the city’s interest. He served on the City Council for eight years from 1943 to 1951 before becoming mayor; served on the Armory Board, Grangeville General Hospital Board, and Border Days Board. He was also on the Zoning and Planning Commission for six years. He served as Idaho County Commissioner for ten years from 1963 until January, 1973. Williams was secretary for Grangeville Elks Lodge No. 1825 from 1951 to 1955. He belonged to A.F. and A.M. Lodge No. 9, Mt. Queen Chapter of Eastern Star, and the Shrine and Scottish Rite Bodies. He was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church. Survivors include his widow, Helena (Billie) of Grangeville; one sister, Mrs. John Manlove, Spokane, three brothers, Frank (Tommy) of Grangeville, Ralph of Spokane and Charles of Denver, Colorado; and ten nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one sister and one brother. Funeral services were held Monday, April 26, at the Hansen-Noland Funeral Home in Grangeville with burial following at Prairie View Cemetery. The Rev. Stephens Gulbrandsen of Trinity Episcopal Church presided. Mt. Idaho Lodge #9, A.M> and F.M. conducted graveside rites. Those wishing to do so, may make memorial contributions to the American Heart Association or Syringa General Hospital. |
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