Edward R. Williams, 79, of Custer, SD, formerly of Hot Springs, SD, passed away Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at the Custer Regional Senior Care Center in Custer.

Ed was born in Crookston, MN on April 6, 1931 to Edward and Dulia (Barrette) Williams. He attended Igloo School and was a star player for basketball and baseball. He was a plummer in Igloo, SD, where he met Shirley and married her on June 12, 1965. They resided in Hot Springs and he worked at the VA Center as a warehouse foreman until he retired in 1993. Ed decided retirement was not for him so he went back to work in supplies at Pamida until 2004.

Ed loved hunting and fishing with his good buddy, Don Tillotson, Jim Nekuda and his grandkids. He enjoyed reloading and reading Louis L 'amour books. He really enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, from basketball, volleyball, x-country, track, baseball, softball, plays and concerts. He enjoyed every minute of it, he would take his stop watch to track meets and time the kids.

Ed will be really missed by all his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Linda, step-son Billy, sister Dulia and great granddaughter Abbie.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Williams of Custer; three sons, Robert Williams of Las Vegas, NV; Terry Williams of Boise, ID; Todd Williams; four daughters, Vickie Nekuda and Mary Kennedy both of Hot Springs; Cheryl Hayden of Hayden, CO; Rose Palmer of Aberdeen, SD; twenty two grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren; and a half-brother, James Hepner of Grafton, WI.

Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, June 21, 2010 at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs with Pastor Morris Nelson officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service.

Burial will follow at the Pringle Cemetery near Pringle, SD.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.