Former facilities chief Williams dies at 97

Robert "Herb" Williams of Kalamazoo died Jan. 16 in Battle Creek. He was 97.

Williams served Western Michigan University for 34 years, retiring in 1980 as director of the WMU physical plant. During his career at WMU, he was involved in dramatic growth of the University's footprint, including the development of the land west of Stadium Drive to establish what is now known as WMU's main campus.

"While most on campus today never had a chance to work with or get to know Herb, we need to recognize and acknowledge that he was involved with the greatest expansion of our campus during his watch of WMU facilities," says Peter J. Strazdas, associate vice president of facilities management.

Williams enjoyed an active retirement life in both Kalamazoo and Bonita Springs, Florida. A decorated World War II veteran, he was a student of military history with particular interests in the Civil War and World War II, he was president of the Kalamazoo Genealogy Society and an active member of the First Presbyterian Church.

Services

Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20, at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Kalamazoo, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo. Family graveside services, with military honors, will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Ft. Custer National Cemetery.

Remembrances

Memorial contributions may be directed to: Stoneridge Adult Foster Care, 4825 Fruin Road, Bellevue, Michigan 49021.