John David Williams

John David Williams - Passed away July 23, 2010 in Sebastopol. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Maybelle; his beloved daughter Diane Crosby and son David Williams; sister Evelyn Reece, nephews Don (Debb) Reese, Gianna, Ashley, and Nichole, Mark (Chris) Reece, Cole and Chase. A descendant of pioneer Bodega settlers, the Stump family came to Bodega in 1849. His grandfather, the late John D. Williams, owned Cypress Knoll Farm in Bodega, was a founder of the Bodega Creamery and the Coast Dairyman's Bank with branches in Marin and Sonoma, later acquired by Bank of America. John is the past president of Rotary Club Sebastopol and a Paul Harris Fellow; past president of United Way, Lifetime Member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Member of St. Sebastian's Parish, SIRS, The Sonoma County Grand Jury, the Engraver's Association, and SHAEF. Family and friends are invited to attend a Visitation on Friday, July 30, 2010 from 11:00 am until 8:00 pm at PARENT-SORENSEN MORTUARY, 301 S. Main St., Sebastopol. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, July 31, 2010 at 12:00 pm at St. Sebastian's Catholic Church, 7983 Covert Ln., Sebastopol. Memorial contributions may be made to VFW Branch 3919, 282 High St., Sebastopol, CA 95472. John is a native and 3rd generation of Sonoma County. Born in 1923 to Josephine and Walter Williams. Graduated from Sebastopol schools. Married his high school sweetheart in 1943 and enlisted in the Army. He served during WWII on the staff of Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower in England when the invasion of Europe was being planned. Williams accompanied Ike and the SHAEF staff to Rheims for Germany's surrender. He holds the Bronze Star Medal as well as decorations for the Normandy, Northern France, and Rhineland campaigns.