Encil A. Williams

Encil Williams, age 91 of Cozad, passed away April 22, 2013 at the Cozad Community Hospital. Encil was born October 7, 1921 at Scottsbluff, Nebraska at his grandparents house to Leonard and Mary (Yocum) Williams. Encil attended school in Lyman, Nebraska before graduating from Huntley High School in Wyoming. Encil went on to attend Bible College in Minnesota, and it was there that he met his future bride, Lois Witcombe. The couple married on June 22, 1947 in Cherokee, Iowa. They made their home in Cherokee, where Encil worked as a mechanic. Shortly after they were married, Encil and his family moved to his parent""s farm south of Lyman. They eventually bought a farm in Torrington, Wyoming and resided there for a few years before selling it and moving into town. In addition to his farming experience, Encil had also worked at a sugar factory, cheese factory, Couplamatic in Lyman. Encil eventually returned to his roots in agriculture, serving as an independent crop insurance adjuster. In later years, Encil and Lois moved to Cozad to be closer to their children. It was important to Encil that his faith always underscored the life he lived. He always worked hard to provide for his family, often times holding as many as 3 jobs simultaneously. Encil was also a spiritual provider for his children, helping to instill in them a faith that played an integral part in his own life. Encil found joy in the outdoors amid God""s creation, traveling, fishing, camping and hunting. He took yearly trips to Jackson Hole, Wyoming to hunt elk and moose. He also loved hunting deer and antelope. He also enjoyed raising gardens along with leathercraft and woodworking. Encil was an active member in the Cozad Christian Church. He had also served on the Board of Trustees that founded the Platte Valley Bible College which later became Summit Christian College. Encil loved to tease and play pranks on people. His playful demeanor lent itself well to being a grandpa, and he was able to make some wonderful memories with his grandkids and his family. Encil was born with ectodermal dysplasia and was the oldest living person with the affliction. He made many trips to the National Institute of Health in Maryland to aid in the research effort, wanting to make things better for those that were affected; particularly two of his grandsons. Encil was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister-in-law, Maurice and Evelyn ""Betsy""� Williams; 2 infant brothers, Leon and Victor; a foster son, Richard Williams; an infant son and daughter; and a nephew, Bill Williams. Survivors include his wife, Lois Williams of Cozad; son, Roland Williams of Cozad; 2 daughters, Christie (Terry) Weinberg of Kearney, Diana (Neil) Coleman of Arnold; 13 grandchildren, Abby and Jessy Williams, Aaron (Cheryl), Rebecca (fiancé, Matt Davis) and Joshua Weinberg (Rachel), Nathan Aguallo, Casey and Thomas Derr, Christina (Jeff) Johns, Candi (Scott) Tucker, & Kerri (fiancé, Brandon Owens) & Logan Coleman; 6 foster grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; and numerous foster great grandchildren. A memorial has been established in his memory. Condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com. Services will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2013 at 11 a.m. at the Cozad Christian Church with Pastor Jeremy Jech officiating. Burial will be at the Sunset Cemetery in Scottsbluff, NE on Monday, April 29, 2013 at 1 p.m. MDT. Visitation will be held on Friday, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad.