Sheridan High School New: February 15, 2018.

Francis "Frank" S. Williams Sr.

May 16, 1922 - May 21, 2008

 

Mr. Francis "Frank" S. Williams Sr. was born in Center, Colorado to Frank and Ruth Williams (nee Riggenbach). He graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in Denver in 1937. He graduated from Regis College with a B.A. in 1941. He atttended Denver University in 1942. Mr. Williams worked for Miller’s Thrifty Mart while attending college. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1942 until February 1946. On June 28, 1947, he married Elberta Harvey in Denver. He received his Master of Arts degree from the University of California-Berkeley in 1949.

 

Mr. Williams taught at Florence High School from 1949 to 1952, prior to coming to Sheridan. At Florence he taught English, Speech, and Dramatics. He was an original teacher at Sheridan Union High School in 1952 and taught at Sheridan for 25 years. At Sheridan he taught English, History, Journalism, Social Studies, and Speech. He also held a staff position as the Educational Enrichment Coordinator. At times, he was the faculty advisor for Student Council and the Thespians club. Many graduates will also remember him as a sponsor for the senior class. Students wrote in one high school annual that "Mr. Williams most memorable times at Sheridan have been working with students in activites such as the high school plays and the school store." He also managed the concessions stand at football and basketball games for Sheridan.

 

Mr. Clark Bond recalls the first classes in the fall of 1952 that were held at Fort Logan military post. "There was no set up for a bell system. There was teacher by the name of Francis Williams, who was an English teacher, and to this day I can remember when students were out of the building for whatever … he would hang out the window and ring a hand bell and that is when the students knew to come in."

 

After retiring from teaching in 1977, he enjoyed working with his son at Old World Photography. Mr. Williams and his wife moved to Greeley in 1979. Mr. Williams was a kind, thoughtful and giving man. He had a great sense of humor and always had a joke for every situation. He is missed by all who knew and loved him.

 

Mr. Williams enjoyed fishing, walking, reading, sports and needlepoint. He also rasied livestock on his ranch in LaSalle, Colorado. He was a big Broncos fan. He was a very active member at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Mr. Williams died at his home at 86 years old, surrounded by his family.

 

Survivors include his wife, Elberta Williams of Greeley; his daughter Jeanne Martin and husband Charles of Milliken; his son, Frank Williams Jr. and wife Debbie of Eagle Point, Oregon; his sister-in-law, Tena Harvey of Greeley; six grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Webmaster Note: Many of the annuals in the Sheridan High School collection from the early years, were received as a gift made on behalf of Mr. Williams.

 

Source information:

Unknown authors, Annuals, Sheridan High School, 3201 W. Oxford Avenue, Sheridan, Colorado, several years from 1953 - 1977.

 

Staff Writer, Tributes for May 24, The Greeley Tribune, https://www.greeleytribune.com/news/obituaries/tributes-for-may-24-5/, May 23, 2008.

 

Interview with Clark Bond by Roger Rowland, August 25, 2017.

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