Thomas Edward Williams Sr.

Thomas Edward Williams Sr., 74, Altoona, was welcomed by his Savior, Jesus Christ, into his eternal life Friday after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Sinking Valley, son of the late Bruce and Mary (Waite) Williams. He married Shirley Fink in 1962 at St. John Lutheran Church, Sinking Valley. Surviving are his devoted wife of 50 years, Shirley, of Sinking Valley; a loving son, Thomas Jr., of Sinking Valley; three brothers: James Williams of Harrisburg and Mart Williams and Terry Williams, both of Sinking Valley; and two sisters: Grace and JoAn, both of Sinking Valley. After returning to Sinking Valley, Tom picked up and developed a special friendship with his niece, Janet Bodnar and her husband, Charles and their son, Jason. Many other nieces, nephews and cousins will dearly miss their happy buddy. He was preceded in death by his eldest brother, Robert Williams. Tom was employed for 37 years at the Bucks County facility of U.S. Steel, Fairless Works, until the mill closed. He and Shirley and Tom Jr. lived happily in Levittown until 2005, returning to family and friends in his hometown of Sinking Valley. Tom was a lover of life with his family and friends, wherever he lived. He enjoyed family, home and church and his hobbies of bowling, softball, competitive archery and archery hunting with his son, brothers and Uncle "Pete." The baseball and football seasons and driving his lawn mower over his own picnic field delighted Tom in the summer. Friends will be received from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Mauk & Yates Funeral Home Inc., 719 N. Fourth Ave., Altoona (www.maukandyates.com) and from 10 until the 11 a.m. funeral service Monday, Feb. 27, 2012, at St. John Lutheran Church in Sinking Valley, officiated by the Rev. Terryann Talbot-Moses. Instead of flowers, contributions in Tom's memory may be made to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Donor Services, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202 or The Good Samaritan Fund at St. John Lutheran Church, Sinking Valley.