Rev. Francis E. Williams, CSV, died in Las Vegas at 2:45 a.m. on Monday, November 29th, his 78th birthday.
Born in East St. Louis, Illinois, Frank Williams was a graduate of Fournier Institute and joined the Viatorians in September of 1932. He pronounced his first vows on September 8, 1933 after which he completed his undergraduate studies at St. Viator College in Bourbonnais.
From 1937 to 1941 he studied theology at Kenrick Seminary and was ordained to the priesthood on May 22, 1941 by Bishop Samuel Stritch in Chicago.
In 1942, Father Williams began a 30 year career of ministry in secondary education that took him to St. Philips High School in Chicago, Cathedral Boys’ High School in Springfield, Archbishop Stepinac High School in New York, Gorman High School in Las Vegas, Spalding Institute in Peoria, St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights and finally Alleman High School in Rock Island. In each of the schools he served in varying capacities including teacher, Superior and Principal.
In 1972 Father Williams moved to Las Vegas as an Associate Pastor at St. Viator Parish where he remained until the time of his death.
Visitation was held at St. Viator Parish in Las Vegas on Thursday, December 2, 1993 beginning at 12:00 noon. At 4:00 p.m. a Liturgical Prayer Service was held. The Funeral Mass was held at St. Viator Parish on Thursday evening, December 2, 1993 at 7:30 p.m. At his request, burial was in Davis Paradise Memorial Gardens in Las Vegas at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 3, 1993.
Father Williams is survived by his sister, Sister Miriam Coovert, S.S.N.D. Fr. Williams was preceded in death by his brother, Rev. W. P. Coovert, O.M.I. and his sister, Mrs. Gertude Van Dan Elzen.
Remember Father Williams in your prayers and gather together in local communities to remember him in Eucharist.
Taken from letter to the Viatorian Community on November 29, 1993 from the Provincial, Rev. Robert M. Egan, CSV.