Donald James Williams

Donald James Williams, 60, of Aurora, Indiana, passed away in his home with family by his side
on Saturday, October 7 th , 2023. He was born in Niles, Ohio on March 14 th , 1963, to Kenneth
Williams and Jean Boyd Williams who preceded him in death. Don attended Youngstown State
University majoring in Engineering before going on to complete his MBA at Southern Illinois
University at Edwardsville. Don started his career at Howard Industries in Milford, Illinois before
taking a position at Emerson Motor Company in Florissant, Missouri. Don finished his career
with Emerson as the VP of Engineering at InSinkErator in Racine, Wisconsin. Before retiring at
58, Don spent his last working years as VP of Engineering for Wayne Water Systems in Harrison,
Ohio.
Don met the love of his life, Lisa in 1984 while working at his part-time janitorial position at the
Eastwood mall in Niles Ohio. Their first date was on Sweetest Day which Don came prepared
with a Sweetest Day card. After seeing a Winnebego on fire and taking it as a good sign for the
future, the two kept dating and fell in love. Excited to start their new lives together, the two
were married September of 1987. Don and Lisa completed their family with two daughters
Amanda, and Allison.
Don is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Lisa Williams; and daughters Amanda Williams
Atoyebi (Michael Atoyebi) and Allison Williams Perkins (Trey Perkins). Don was incredibly proud
of making it to both of his daughters’ weddings, dancing at each one, and welcoming two great
men into his family. Don enjoyed exploring Chicago with Amanda and Michael and talking
about the future with Allison and Trey. His favorite Chicago spot was the Montrose Dog Beach,
and he would encourage anyone to go and spend a morning there.
Don will be remembered as an avid traveler, motorcyclist, and BBQ connoisseur – always trying
foods for the “first time.” Don was a wonderful husband, father, friend, and mentor while
always putting his Faith in God first. In 2007, Don won Emerson Motor Company’s ‘Prolific
Inventor’ award having published 10 patents. In his lifetime, Don ended up publishing a total of
12 patents that helped progress industries including automotive, household appliances, and
electric motors. Don was a strong leader, inventor, and engineer with his mindset and ideas
living beyond him.
Don’s Celebration of Life will be held on November 5th , 2023, at Great Crescent Brewery in
Aurora, Indiana. Anyone who knew and loved Don is welcome to attend and celebrate his life
with the rest of his family. Please do not wear black unless you prefer to, we won’t be mourning
on this day. He asked for a party, and we are going to give him one!

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald James Williams, please visit our floral store.