Mark R Williams

Mark R. Williams of Vermilion, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2023, at his home in Vermilion. He was born June 18, 1944, and lived in Vermilion and Fort Lauderdale during his lifetime.

Mark was a Vermilion High School graduate, where he excelled in basketball and was on the ’61 championship basketball team and always noted one playoff game versus Margaretta. He was a Buckeye Boys State Representative from his class. He graduated from  Ohio University where he was a fraternity member of Phi Delta Theta, as was his father, uncle and brother Dan, all at Ohio University. He continued his education at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and obtained his Juris Doctorate. He was a proud member of the Ohio Bar and served on different committees during his law years.

Mark stayed in Vermilion and joined his dad in the Williams Law Firm. Mark's grandfather had started the law business in 1893. He remained with Williams and Williams Law until his early retirement. He liked helping the residents of Vermilion with their legal cases and enjoyed many friendships through his work. He served the city of Vermilion in law positions under Judge Ryan and Mayor Maiden. He also presented important cases before the Ohio Supreme Court during his law career.

He was a former member of the Vermilion Boat Club and was a supporter of the Great Lakes Museum when it began in Vermilion. Vermilion and Linwood Park and Fort Lauderdale were his favorite places. One of many special family memories of Mark is the time when he would host the family picnic at our cottage and trademarked BYOE, that meant "bring your own everything." It made us laugh but it also worked.

He was devoted to his three children: daughter, Gretchen (Todd) Dran of FL; sons, Mark T. (Lisa) Williams of Vermilion and Jason L. (Samantha) Williams of MA; and to his grandchildren, Mark T. Williams Jr., Samantha Williams, Jenna Williams, and Ryan Williams.

He is survived by his siblings, Shirley (Tom) Gleason and Dan Williams of FL, Jennifer (Rich) Masin of Vermilion and sister-in-law, Judy S. Williams, and cousins, Bob Williams, Carolee Mackey, and Wendy Rhea. He has many nieces and nephews from the Williams and Masin family that love their uncle Marko.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Louise (Noon) Williams and his brother, Tom S. Williams.

The family wishes to thank the Mercy New Life Hospice for their care and to all Mark’s lifelong friends during his life journey.

Due to Mark’s wishes, there will be a private family service. Later, there will be a celebration of life for him at a date to be announced. Just remember one of his sayings, “When life gives you a lemon, make lemonade!” He always was trying!

Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.