Kenneth Lee Williamson, 92, passed away a few days ago at his residence in Bloomington, Indiana. He was born Aug. 27, 1928, in Brown County, IN, at home on Schooner Valley, south of Nashville, IN, to parents Paul Dwight and Edna Mae (Powell) Williamson, both of whom preceded him in death. Kenneth was the oldest and last surviving child of this union; siblings preceding him in death were Robert (Bob) Dale Williamson, Paul Oliver (“Gun”) Williamson, Ruth Alice Parks, and Karen Sue Watkins.
Ken graduated from Nashville High School in 1945. In 1946, he married Betty Rosanna (Smith) Williamson. They were married for seventy-two plus years before Betty passed away May 11, 2019. Soon after their marriage, they started building a home on Upper Schooner Valley Road, doing most of the construction themselves before electricity was available in the area. Ken worked in construction early in his career, then in 1959 a sizeable shop was built on their property, launching “Williamson Brothers Construction”, later becoming “Williamson Millwork and Construction”. Kenneth developed into one of the finest custom woodworkers around, with many homes and businesses in the Nashville and Bloomington area showcasing his work. During the 1960’s and 70’s, the business also had a truss building operation, providing truss systems throughout the area. The shop was in use for several decades until Ken and Betty downsized in 2007. Ken was well respected in the area, reflected by two terms on the Brown County School Board during the 1960’s and early 1970’s.
Ken’s other passion was fishing, particularly for bass and crappie. This pursuit took him to places like Lake Monroe, Yellowwood, Lake Lemon, Reelfoot Lake in Tennessee, and his beloved Lake Okeechobee. After many years of annual trips with his fishing buddies to Okeechobee, a more permanent winter residence was established, where Ken and Betty spent the winters for most of the past 25-30 years.
Ken and Betty’s marriage produced four sons, Rick (Gladys) Williamson, Sellersburg, IN; Gary (Shiela) Williamson (Paris, IL); Kevin (Nona) Williamson, Independence, MO; and Jeff (Mindy) Williamson, Bourbonnais, IL. All of his sons succeed him. He is also succeeded by thirteen grandchildren, twenty-one great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. Aside from being preceded in death by his parents and siblings, he was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Beverly Williamson.
A memorial service will be conducted Thursday, April 1, 3 p.m. at Bond-Mitchell Funeral Home in Nashville, IN. Visitation is prior to the service from 2-3 p.m. Due to Covid restrictions, all attendees are required to wear a face covering, per state regulations. Attendance will be limited to 65 people at a time, so your cooperation and patience is appreciated.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.BondMitchellFuneralHome.com