Vernon E. Williams, 87, died in Sanford Health Palliative Care, Fargo, ND on April 28, 2017.

He was born on the family farm near Hannaford, North Dakota on October 15, 1929, to Edward and Agnes Williams. He married Shirley Roscoe on January 12, 1952, in Moorhead, Minnesota, and they recently celebrated 65 years of marriage together. Vernon worked for Trangsrud Implement for four years, and later worked as a drill operator on projects that included the Grand Forks Air Force Base as well as I-94 construction projects. In 1957, they moved to Fargo, ND, and Vernon joined the Fargo Fire Department, where he worked for 33 1/2 years. They later purchased a farmstead near Harwood, ND, where Vernon spent many happy hours riding horses.

Vernon was active in a number of local riding clubs and participated in a number of trail rides, local parades and other club activities. Vernon and Shirley also took many vacations and trips throughout the country. After retirement, Vernon was very active in a number of volunteer functions. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

Vernon is survived by his wife, Shirley; sons, Duane, Longview, WA; and John (Sharon), Moorhead, MN; daughter, Joni Bonham (Mark), Rocklin, CA; five grandchildren, Mary-Alice Williams, Caitlin Williams, Sean Williams, Kate Bonham, and Eric Bonham; sister, Yvonne (Clayton) Anderson, Portland, ND; as well as a number of nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Dorothy Mae Venhuisen and Lorraine Bultema; and brother, Everett.