Merton E. Williams Jr. passed away at sunrise on Thursday, October 1st.  Our dad is the second child of Merton and Ardetta (nee Diver) Williams.  He was born on February 18, 1942 in a cabin deep in the woods.  He had a childhood that was richly steeped in the traditions and beliefs of his people.  He was a 1/2 Oneida and 1/2 Ojibwe.  He left the reservation in the winter of 1960 to join the Navy.  He had the time of his life serving our country and seeing the world.  He was aboard the Naval Destroyer USS Noa when it recovered John Glenn from the Atlantic after his historic Mercury flight (February 20, 1962).  At the time of his honorable discharge he held the naval rate of Storekeeper, Petty Officer Third Class, E4.  On his 25th birthday he was introduced by a mutual friend to Jean Aiken - a beautiful young woman who would become his wife a short seven months later.  Our mom and dad celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary on September 9, 2015.  Dad was a State Champion Trap Shooter, World Class Grandpa and Chipmunk Whisperer.  He is survived by his wife Jean, son Keith (Kelli Straight), daughter Claire Kroenke (Dan) and granddaughters Rosemary Kuring, Claudia Kroenke and Peaches Kroenke; brothers Erv, Ronnie, Bernard and Donnie.  In addition, many family members and friends.  He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister Gaye Ann Allen.  Our most heartfelt gratitude to Vitas Hospice and their angelic nurses who took care of us all with infinite compassion and tenderness.  Our love to you and everyone he touched.- The Proud Family of Merton Williams Jr.