OBITUARY: Benjamin E. "Ben" Williams

Benjamin E. "Ben" Williams, 60 of Galatia, died at 2:15 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 23, 2013, at his home.

He was born on July 22, 1953, in Sturgis, Ky., a son to Adolf and Ophelia Quinn Williams. Ben married Gala Fletcher on Nov.13, 2006, in Harrisburg. He served his country in the US Navy and worked his whole life as a coal miner.

Ben is survived by his wife Gala of Galatia; six children: Joe Williams and his fiance Teresa of Kentucky, John (Wendy) Williams of Kentucky, Cody Williams of Equality, Christie (Payton) Hane of Harrisburg, Amanda Shelton of DuQuoin and Angela (Jon) Darnell of DuQuoin; one brother: Bob Williams and his spouse of Colorado; and one sister: Marjorie Williams of Champaign. Numerous grandchildren also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, 2013, at the Sloan Funeral Home in Galatia with Pastor Brian Mixon officiating. Burial with full military honors will be in Jones Cemetery west of Thompsonville. Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois.