Robert “Bob” Williams, 78, died June 24, 2013, in IU Health Hospice House, Bloomington. He was born July 17, 1934, in Warsaw, the only child of Homer V. and Helen Can Williams, who preceded him in death. In 1956, he married Patricia L. “Pat” Williams, who survives after 56 years of marriage. Also surviving are a son, Braddon S. Williams, Kokomo; a daughter, Courtnay (and spouse Joseph) Fuller, Manassas, Va.; and two grandchildren, Andrew and Emma Fuller. Following their marriage in 1956, he was drafted by the U.S. Army and served with the Infantry Division in Germany. While there, he wrote the music for an original work called “Always Fair Weather.” He graduated from Warsaw High School and from Indiana University where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in piano from the Jacobs School of Music and a master’s degree in arts and sciences. One of his fondest memories was being the accompanist for the Singing Hoosiers under the direction of founder George Krueger. That close teaching relationship remained with him all his life and was instrumental in how he interpreted music. He served as the president of the IU Singing Hoosiers Alumni Council and was awarded the Singing Hoosiers Alumni Distinguished Service Award in 1987. Bob and Pat met at IU at an exchange dinner between Beta Theta Pi and Alpha Omicron Pi. His teaching career began in Howard County Indiana, where he taught at Northwestern High School where he wrote nine original musical productions for his students. He moved to the Haworth High School and Kokomo High School systems, where he taught English, literature and drama, while continuing to direct plays at both high schools. During the late ‘70s and early ‘80s Bob was under contract as an actor with Act One and Helen Wells Agencies in Indianapolis, where he did work in both TV and print commercials. Kokomo Civic Theatre was a favorite pastime, working with many close friends and sharing his love of music and theatre. He was awarded the Kokomo Civic Theatre Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996. He formed the group “Bob Williams and Friends,” who performed in northern Indiana the works of Bob's favorite composers. IU Kokomo was the recipient of their generosity as the IUK Library was being built. Bob was awarded the IUK Distinguished Service Award in 2008. Retirement to Bloomington gave Bob continued opportunities to perform thanks to the IU Alumni Association. Pat's need for a program led to Bob developing their "Hoagy Carmichael" gig which they enjoyed performing in many different states for the IUAA. In 2010 the IUAA awarded Bob the President’s Award, which was a proud moment for this life member of the IUAA. His early association with Straight No Chaser led him toward four recordings, so his music will continue. Friends in central Indiana enjoyed his yearly appearances at the Artsgarden in Indianapolis. And friends in Washington, D.C. appreciated his yearly turns at the piano of the Army-Navy Country Club on New Years Eve. Even as his health faltered in 2013, he continued to share his gift of music with the patients and families of the IU Health Hospital Oncology unit on 4East, where he was known as “The Piano Man.” A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Monday at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church. A Kokomo ”Remembering Bob” gathering will take place on the IUK Havens Auditorium stage July 17 at 7 p.m. Calling is one hour prior to the service Monday at the church. Allen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. ***** In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the IU Foundation for the Robert E. Williams Singing Hoosiers Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 500, Bloomington, IN 47402 or the IU Health Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 1149, Bloomington, IN 47402 to benefit either the neurological unit or Hospice House. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.allenfuneralhome.org
