Denver Lee Williams Sr.

Denver Lee Williams Sr., age 71, passed away Monday, February 12, 2024, at Ascension All Saints Hospital. He was born in Racine, WI, September 5, 1952, the 2nd of 7 children of Willie and Magnolia (Nee: Barker) Williams. Denver graduated from Washington Park High School “Class of 1970”. He was employed by J.I. Case for many years where he would eventually retire.

Growing up Denver was a jokester who loved sneaking into the kitchen eating cookies and drinking up all the milk from his siblings – oh how he loved his sweets. He enjoyed playing basketball and was an aspiring boxer, although he could have been a professional boxer he would say; “Even though I am good at it, I don’t enjoy hitting people!”. Denver enjoyed bowling at Hillside Lanes. He loved playing poker, pick 3, horse racing, and watching old westerns, Bonanza being a favorite. Denver was a great dancer who enjoyed music and loved to sing. He thought of himself to be the next Luther Vandross. Above all he treasured time spent with family, especially with his grandchildren. Denver was the glue that held his family together, standing 5’10 he had a look to him that would make you fear him; but if you knew him you knew he was sweet, gentle, and very loving. He was a Leader, Provider, and our Protector. Our Giant Teddy Bear. He will be dearly missed.

Surviving to cherish his memory include his mother, Magnolia Williams; his children, Denver (Katie) Williams Jr., Corinda Williams (Ron), Darrina Williams (Rickie), Rhonda Williams; former wife of 32 years and mother of his children, Verletha Canada; 11 grandchildren, Jenasie, Jade, Denver III, Rishawn, Jayla, Summer, Brandon, Roman, London, Aniyah, and Aminah; great granddaughter, Nyomi; siblings, Joyce Long, Harold Williams, Michael Williams, Angela (Billy) Gentry, Rondale Williams; longtime companion and caretaker Mary Ann Meyers; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. He was preceded in death by; his grandparents, Ira Lee Barker, Mary Ella (Towner) Shareef, Ollie (Towner) Shareef; his sister, Judy Williams; brother-in-laws, Enoch Long. Calvin Payne; uncles, Johnny Barker and Joe Barker.

The family of Denver Williams would like to give a special thanks and express our appreciation to Kim McClain for being his caretaker in his time of need.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home, Friday, February 23, 2024, 3:30 pm with Elder Ray McNeal & Elder Roger Carson officiating. Relatives and friends may meet prior to the service from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm.

The service will be live streamed and may be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/meredithfuneralhome/