Drexel W. Williams, 100,  of Juntura died on Dec. 4.

He was born on Jan. 29, in the family home at Drewsey to Sylvester “Ves” Williams and Effie L. Holladay.

Williams attended grade school in Drewsey and graduated early. He began high school in Seattle, Wash., at the age of 12. He also attended high school in Eugene. After he graduated,  Williams’ father wanted him to continue his education and attend college, but gave him the option of using the money for college or buying cattle.

Williams chose cattle  and began his life journey as a cattleman.

He married Irene S. Goodman on June 1, 1937, and they spent 74 years together. In 1938, Williams’  first son, Bill, was born to the couple while still ranching in Drewsey.

In 1940, due to poor health, Deane Goodman requested that Williams and his wife move to Juntura and take over his ranching operation. Williams at first resisted the idea, but later conceded and sold his cattle and began the purchasing of Deane’s holdings.

In 1940, his second son, Gary, was born.

Throughout the following years, Williams and his wife expanded their holdings, adding several ranches and increasing their cattle numbers. In 1970, he sold the main ranching operation to his two sons, but continued working his small ranch in Otis Valley. He remained running this operation until 2001, and even at the age of 85 he could still be seen walking the fields irrigating.

Williams was an active member in the community and participated in many different organizations, including the Juntura School Board, the Masons and the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association.

Williams is survived by his wife, Irene; sons, Bill Williams and Gary Williams; eight grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Lee Williams and George Williams; sisters, Francis Genn and Rotha French; and granddaughter, Kelly Smith.

Memorial services will be held Friday, Dec. 16, at 2 p.m. at Lienkaemper Chapel in Ontario. Following the memorial service, the family would like to invite friends to join them for lunch at the Ontario Train Depot.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Williams memory may be made to the Treasure Valley Scholarship Foundation, in the name of Drex and Irene Williams Scholarship.