Obituary of Kenneth Edward Williams

Kenneth Edward Williams, age 85, passed away Saturday, July 22, 2023 at Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was surrounded by family and lots of love. Ken was born December 4, 1937 in Hubbard, Oregon to Leona Colvin Williams Pohrman and Jerrold Williams. 

He spent his early years in The Dalles, Oregon, joining the Air Force in 1969, serving for 21 years, retiring as a Master Sergeant. Ken served as an intelligence Specialist (Special Operations) throughout Europe, Goose Bay, Labador, and in Vietnam, earning a Bronze Star, an Air Force Commendation Medal for meritorious service, an Oak Leaf cluster for meritorious service along with many other awards and recognition. 

He was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, Nebraska where he found the love of his life, Patsy Jeanne Barteck Lockwood. They were both Vietnam casualties, divorced individuals, who met at a "Parents without Partners" meeting in Omaha, re-meeting the next week at the Base Exchange. They married on November 4, 1972 and had more than 50 wonderful years together. They moved to Colorado Springs (Peterson AFB) in May 1975.

Ken completed his Bachelor of Science degree at Colorado Technical College in 1986 and started a second career with the City of Colorado Springs as a parking meter repairman. He particularly enjoyed walking downtown collecting money from the meters and meeting interesting people. He retired from the city after 19 years. 

Ken was a member of Central United Methodist Church for 48 years, serving on the Board of Trustees, the Finance Committee, as Treasurer of the Men's club and an usher, and singing bass in the choir for several years. He worked, along with his wife, Patsy, who coordinated, with local Interfaith Hospitality Network (providing temporary housing for those in need) for 11 years in the church. At large church gatherings, he was known as the "popcorn guy", popping corn on the popcorn machine. Outside church gatherings, he was a member of Pillar Institute for the Lifelong Learning, Curiosity Unlimited (UCCS) and Senior Pilot's Club. He especially enjoyed his Thursday men's lunch group. He knew everything there was to know about classic cars, planes, and history. He loved to show off his red 1976 Dodge Warlock pickup truck in local parades and at car shows. He was proud that his truck had been featured in two national magazines. 

Ken was an avid reader, collecting thousands of books, including over 1500 science fiction books and more than 2000 comic books. He also had a collection of antique clocks, enjoyed listening to music and doing crossword puzzles. In his Golden years, Ken and Patsy traveled, both domestically and internationally. They made a total of 46 trips, collecting wonderful memories together. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leona Pohrman and Jerrold Williams; as well as his half-brothers, Gary Pohrman and Forrest Pohrman. 

He is survived by his wife, Patsy Williams; his sister, Carol Jenkins; his children, Amy Williams, Kenneth Williams, Jr. (JoAnn), Laurel Lockwood (Mark) Chapman, Lynnie Lockwood (Rick) Gallegos, along with eleven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. 

Visitation, 9:00AM, Monday, July 31, 2023, Central Methodist Church, 4373 Galley Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80915. 

Celebration of Life, 10:00AM, Monday, July 31, 2023, Central Methodist Church, 4373 Galley Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80915. 

Reception to follow the service. 

Graveside, 1:00PM, Monday, July 31, 2023, Pikes Peak National Cemetery, 10545 Drennan Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80925. Services also available via Zoom. Contact the church if interested. 

Memorial contributions in Ken's memory may be made to Central United Methodist Church.