Vernon L. Williams, age 82, of Helena

Beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away peacefully on July 12, 2025 surrounded by his loving family.

Born September 6, 1942, Vernon was one of five children born to John and Edith Williams. He lived a full and joyful life marked by love, hard work, and adventure. He married Karyl Jean Kruse on October 5, 1963, and celebrated nearly 62 years of love, partnership, and devotion.

Together they raised three children: Shelly, Jayne, and Vince. He was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren. He was also blessed with four great grandchildren: – all of whom were a source of endless pride and joy. Vernon cherished every moment with his family and found deep happiness in watching his legacy grow through them.

Vern had a dedicated 36-year career with Associated Foods, where he worked faithfully until his retirement in 2006.  He embraced life with energy and enthusiasm. He loved riding motorcycles, especially competing in the hill climbs at White Sandy. He also loved hunting, camping, and fishing; anything that took him outdoors and allowed him to be close to nature.

In his younger years, he and his wife enjoyed floating the Smith River, watching stock car racing at the Valley Speedway, dancing the night away and listening to music at the local night clubs. They even shared an occasional table with Charley Pride.

While raising his family, he liked to go fishing in Beaver Creek and camp at Black Sandy with his wife and kids. He spent many hours teaching and helping his young children grow. He also spent much of his family time in the O-Mok-See arena behind his father’s house with the Valley Blues Saddle Club. He enjoyed riding horses and watching his kids compete on horseback. He loved “hunting camp” with his dad, brother, children and friends-a tradition he cherished deeply. He also spent countless early morning hours hunting the Elkhorns with Vince, Jayne and a variety of family members where he met and befriended all the other hunters on the mountain. While hunting he could be reached using his CB handle “Mudflap”.

“Papa Vern” spent many years watching Brook and Shelby excel at softball. He enjoyed seeing Justin ride his motorcycle. He introduced Gunnar to his first hunting trip and fished alongside Carson. He taught Briana how to ride Moose, the horse and rode 4 wheelers in the mountains with Madison.

Vernon also liked spending time caring for his yard, tinkering in his garage, and working on his farming equipment.  He was meticulous in the maintenance of his machinery which enabled him to farm his 15 acres in the northeast valley. He was fortunate enough to live and farm next to his father, Grandpa John which made it nice to have Sunday dinners with his mom, his dad and his siblings’ families and watch over his baby sister, Gail. He was blessed to have lived on the same country road for more than 60 years where he was surrounded by a helpful and caring group of lifelong neighbors.

In his later years, he and Karyl loved having breakfast and visiting their many friends at the Early Bird, Shellie’s Cafe and Steve’s Café. They also joined a large group of friends and neighbors who attended the dances at the 4H community center.  The highlight of his summers was participating in the yearly Williams family reunion camping trips, where he could watch many generations gather and grow.  He especially enjoyed holding the newest babies in the family.

He was known for his warm smile, rosy cheeks and his signature beard. His beard earned him the nickname “Fuzz”. He even won an award for “curliest beard” and “best beard” in the beard growing contest held during the 1973 Last Chance Stampede and Fair.  Vern had a gentle spirit, a generous heart, and a twinkle in his eye that made everyone feel welcome.

Vernon is survived by his wife, Karyl Williams; his children; Shelly (Dan) Burns, Jayne McLaughlin and Vince (Kim) Williams; his sister Gail (Keith) Hatch; and sisters-in-law Jean Kruse and Myrna Morrissey. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: Gunnar (Cortney) Burns, Carson Burns, Briana Burns, Brooklyn (Brayden) Fine, Madison McLaughlin, Shelby (Craig) Harris, and Justin Williams and great-grandchildren, Cambri, Maverik, Kessler and Nora along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends and neighbors who will miss him deeply.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, John and Edith Williams; his siblings Patricia Williams, Donald Williams and Dedee Barnes; sisters-in-law Charleen Kruse and Maggie Williams; and brothers-in-law Clifford Kruse, Gerald Morrissey and Gordon Barnes.

Vernon’s presence will be missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Vernon’s name are suggested to Lewis and Clark Humane Society, Headwaters Hospice, or a children’s charity of your choice.

A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025, at 11:00 am at Anderson Stevenson Wilke & Retz funeral home, with a reception immediately following. Burial will follow the reception.

Honorary Pallbearers:   Vince Williams, Dale Williams, Dan Burns, Keith Hatch, Tim Bieber, Jerry Morrissey.

Service Schedule

Memorial Service

11:00 a.m.

Friday July 25, 2025

Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

3750 N Montana Ave.

Helena, Montana 59602

View map

Reception

Following the service

Friday July 25, 2025

Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke

3750 N Montana Ave.

Helena, Montana 59602

View map

Burial

Following the Reception

Friday July 25, 2025

East Helena, Montana 59635

View map

Share

Send flowers

Please visit the floral shop page for assistance in choosing a local florist.

Photo Gallery

No photos have been submitted yet.
Click here to share yours.