Thomas Samuel “Sam” Williams, longtime area auctioneer, died early March 2, 2021, at Two Timbers in Highland. He was 92.

Sam was born in a farm home north of Sparks, May, 30, 1928, one of three children born to Percival Earl and Maud L. French Williams. He attended country schools near Sparks/Troy area prior to Sparks High School for three years, before graduating from Troy High School with the class of 1946. He worked in South Dakota when received an invite to serve his county. It was during the Korean Conflict, discharged from the Army at the rank of corporal. He returned to Doniphan County where he went to work for Raymond Gaul on the farm. He wanted to be an auctioneer and was going to go to auctioneer school when Horace Williams offered to teach him the trade. Thus became Williams Auction Service, working on his own, picking up sale barns to auction in the area as time went along, thus having an auction every day but Sunday. In later years, as sale barns in the area closed, Sam then concentrated solely on the auction service….he would sell anything: animals, farm equipment, household items…..probably even ice cubes to eskimos! He married Leola M. Peuker, January 12, 1951. Leola was a good fit for the auction service as she was his clerk. In later years, their son Tom joined them with Sam retiring after 40 years of service.

Sam attended the Community of Christ in Fanning for many years. He was a member Wenger Post #373, Powhattan American Legion, BPOE #1741, Hiawatha Elks Lodge, and National Rifle Assn. He loved sports and to hunt.

Survivors include his wife Leola of Two Timbers in Highland; son Tom (Connie) Williams, daughter Elaine Oldridge (Jim), all of Hiawatha; 5 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Also surviving a sister in law Evelyn Twombly, two brothers in law Duane Rodecap and Clarence Trant.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters: Donna Trant, Shirley Rodecap; two brothers in law: Jim Twombly and Glen Losson.

Friends may sign the register book at Chapel Oaks FH , Hiawatha, from 10 until 5 p.m. Thursday and till noon Friday.

Family and friends invited to a graveside service planned for 1 p.m. Friday, March 5, at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha. Mark Twombly will officiate. Inurnment will follow. Brown County Veterans Honor Guard will provide military honors.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Sam Williams Memorial Fund, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

Those wishing to leave the family a special note of remember may do so at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com The service will be livestreamed at the funeral home Facebook page: Chapel Oaks Hiawatha & Highland Ks