John Dirk Williamson

John Dirk Williamson of Croton died unexpectedly at his home Sunday evening, August 11, 2002.  He was 76 years old.

John was born October 29, 1925 in Edgerton, Kent County, Michigan but spent much of his childhood in Cadillac and Grand Rapids. 

He served in the US Navy from 1943 to 1946 earning the rank of carpenter's mate second class.  Most of his military service was spent working in various special or naval construction battalions in the Pacific area during WW II.  

In 1955, John began a long career as a tile and terrazzo mechanic after completing an apprenticeship with the Valley City Terrazzo and Marble Company in Grand Rapids. 

He was a member of the American Legion Post 0381, Croton and the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 9.   

On June 19, 1954 John married Evelyn Jeltema in Angola, Indiana.  They began their life together in Grand Rapids and later moved to Croton.  They enjoyed their years of retirement by spending summers in Croton and winters at their second home in Port Richey, Florida.  John enjoyed boating, fishing, reading and spending time with family and friends.  He continued to fish in the Croton area until his death. 

He was preceded in death by his sister Adeline Duthler of Grand Rapids, his parents John Williams and Olga (Erickson) Williams, also of Grand Rapids, and his wife of 41 years, Evelyn Williamson. 

He is survived by family members Patricia Williamson of Lindale, Texas, Garth Williamson and his wife Marcia of Midland, Michigan and Carol DeBoer and her husband Bill of Croton, several grand children and great grand children as well as nieces and nephews.

Internment of John's ashes will be at Oak Grove Cemetery, Croton Township, on Thursday, August 22, 2002 following a grave side memorial service at 11:00 AM with Reverend Harry Bultema officiating.   Final arrangements have been entrusted to the care of McKinley Funeral Homes of Newaygo.   Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the American Legion Post 0381, Croton.