Wayne C. Williams, 80, of Frankfort, died September 7, 2023 at Franciscan Health Lafayette East in Lafayette, Ind. He was born on April 3, 1943 in Anderson, Indiana to Lewis Jordan and Montrue Olive (Conrad) Williams. Wayne spent many hours on a tractor and raising cattle on his parent’s Hoosier Homestead Farm. In 1963, while a junior and president of Terri Courts at Purdue, he cut Peggy out of the herd. He married her, Margaret “Peggy” Wilkinson, on December 26, 1966 in Clermont, Indiana and she survives.
Wayne was a 1961 Markleville High School graduate, earned his BS degree in Agronomy from Purdue University in 1965, and earned his MS in Community Development from the University of Louisville in 1973. Wayne worked for the Clinton County Purdue Cooperative Extension Service as an Agricultural Educator, teaching farmers about no-till, management and safety for 37 years, supporting farmers with financial management tools, retiring in 2001. He was active in planning the Clinton County 4-H Community Building and started a catering business serving meals for many events in the building.
He was a member of the First Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Frankfort, serving on the Board of Trustees and as Deacon. His involvement in the community was vast, including serving on the Area Plan Commission and helping write the county’s first area plan, serving as president and board member of the Opportunity Center, president of Abilities Services, past distinguished president and “Mr. Pancake” of Kiwanis, two-time recipient of the Sagamore of the Wabash award, 1986 Citizen of the Year, serving on the United Way Board of Directors, helping organize Leadership Clinton County and serving on that board of directors, recipient of the 1990 Senior Ag Award from Indiana Extension Agent Association and earning the distinguished service award in 1993, serving on the Frankfort Main Street board, working to start the first Hot Dog Festival. Other involvement included the Clinton County Hospital Foundation, Main Street Board, Pork Producers, Head Start, Step Ahead, Lilly Grant Planning, and Clinton County Foundation for Youth. And last but not least, the Indiana State Manure Management Committee!
Wayne stayed active in retirement serving in elected offices as Clinton County Commissioner and Frankfort County Councilman. He continued serving the community as one of the Principle founders of the Crossing school, working with Community Corrections to start the local Ankle bracelet program, serving on Frankfort Community Public Library Board of Trustees and where he also served as the barista in Harry’s Coffee Shop. Like his father, he grew his passion for woodworking. Wayne spent many hours in his workshop mastering the scroll saw creating pieces that now adorn the homes and offices of his friends and family. You too may enjoyed his art at Friends of Frankfort Public Library Art Show, Harry’s Coffee Shop, or the Wesley Manor Gift Store.
Surviving along with his wife, Peggy are his Daughters: Dama Napier of Seymour and Sara Kay Williams of Frankfort; Granddaughter: Hannah Napier of Seymour; Sister: Virginia (Bob) Nibarger of Cornelius, NC. He was preceded by parents and brother, Howard Williams.
A memorial service will be held at 12 Noon, Saturday, October 28, 2023 at the First Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 352 W. Clinton St., Frankfort. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. until time of service at the church. Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S Main St., Frankfort is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Wayne’s honor to the Clinton County Boys & Girls Club, P.O. Box 103, Frankfort, IN 46041. Please visit goodwinfuneralhome.com, where you may leave a condolence.