Larnell Adolph Williams, age 94, a long time resident of Okmulgee, transitioned, Thursday, January 13, 2022 in Ascension St John Medical Center, Tulsa, OK with his loving family at bedside.

Larnell Adolph Williams was born on March 2, 1927 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. He was the second of eleven children born to Ruby (Mayer) and Clarence Williams. Larnell was educated in the Okmulgee Public School System at Attucks Elementary and Dunbar High School until he was called to serve his country in the US Naval Service in July 1945. Classified as Steward's Mate First Class SV-6, Larnell was awarded the World War II Victory, American Campaign and Asiatic-Pacific Campaign medals for his   service. Upon his honorable discharge in July 1946, Larnell returned to Okmulgee where he enrolled in Uganda Martyrs Catholic School and graduated in 1948. Shortly thereafter, he was baptized in accordance to the rite of the Roman Catholic Church.

On November 25, 1950, Larnell married Catherine Cazenave at Uganda Martyrs     Catholic Church. Seven children were born to this union: David Larnell, Janice Marie, Dwayne, Elliot, Angela, Anthony ("Raybaby"), and Robert Wayne. November 2021 marked their 71st wedding anniversary. Larnell's faith and his family were his inspiration and the foundation upon which his life was built.

Known for his strong work ethic, Larnell owned and worked his family farm while maintaining a career in the manufacturing industry.  Employed by American St. Gobain and Ball Brothers glass factories, Larnell was very active in union affairs and retired after 42 years in 1989. Equally engaged in the life of his children and his community, Larnell assisted with the Boy Scouts, his kids' band performances and wherever else he was needed. He was a dynamic member of the NAACP and a co-founder of the        Okmulgee County Roundup Club, the first Black rodeo in Okmulgee.

With a deep devotion to our Lord, Larnell was very involved in the life of Uganda Martyrs Parish.  For decades, he served as a lector, Eucharist minister and served as president of the parish Council, leading the controversial yet successful effort to rebuild the convent after it was ruined by fire. Additionally, Larnell spent immeasurable hours assisting with the maintenance of the church grounds.

His commitment extended to the Knights of Peter Claver. Sir Knight Larnell Williams was a member of the Uganda Martyrs Council #55 for over 60 years. In addition to serving as Grand Knight, he was active with the Central States District, holding the positions of secretary and area deputy.

Larnell will be remembered forever for his piety, strength of conviction, and his abundant generosity of time and treasure. He is preceded in death by his parents, his siblings: Larcean, Lawrence "Kitty", Ruth, Robert, Billy ("Shorty"), Norma, Cheryl, Clarence Jr. ("June"), and Jackie as well as his son, David and grandson, Jermaine.

On Thursday, January 13, 2022, at the age of 94, Larnell went to rest with the Lord. He is survived by his loving wife, Catherine, his children: Janice (Jake) Gray of Aurora, CO; Dwayne (Kateri) Williams of Centennial, CO; Elliott (Linda Rodriguez) Williams of Escondido, CA; Angela Williams of Denver, CO; Anthony Williams of Lakewood, CO and Robert Williams of Wilton Manors, FL. Also left behind to cherish his memory are eight grandchildren: Danielle (Jeff), Erin, Shavon, Jessica (Darrell), Brandon (Melanie Hobson), Marcus, Austin, and Jonah; five great-grandchildren: Damion, Kameron, Addison, Aidan, and Jessie; and six great-great grandchildren. Larnell is  mourned also by his sister, Theresa (Julian "Pat") Efferson, sister-in-law, Dolores Bryant, brother-in-laws, Roy (Lydia) Cazenave and James Hollier; sisters-in-love, Jo Coker and Bernice Williams, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. Larnell will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

The Rosary will be recited, Monday, January 17,2022 at 6 P.M. in Uganda Martyrs Catholic Church, 303 E. Third St.  Okmulgee,OK

The Funeral Mass, will be Tuesday,  January 18, 2022 at 10 a.m. in Uganda Martyrs Catholic Church, with Father Joshua Litwack, the celebrant.  Entombment will follow in Calvary cemetery, Tulsa,OK     Public visitation, Monday, in the Precious Memories Chapel of House of Winn Funeral Home-Okmulgee, during the hours of 3:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.

MASKS are mandatory at all services

Funeral Mass streamed:  FACE BOOK LIVE    Spiritual Sister

The family has been cared for by House of Winn Funeral Home-Okmulgee