Francis C. 'Toot' Williams

POLSON — Francis C. "Toot" Williams, 75, of Polson, loving husband and father "Daddy" went home to be with the Lord on Monday, Jan. 30, 2006, after a courageous battle with bone cancer. He was born on April 12, 1930, to Lester and Beatrice Williams in Three Forks.

Francis graduated from Willow Creek High School in Willow Creek, in 1949. After graduation he helped his family on their cattle ranch in Willow Creek. Also in 1949 he went on to serve in the U.S. Navy serving on the USS Wiltsie. After serving honorably in the Korean War, he returned to Willow Creek to start his own cattle ranch and began raising a family.

In the 1970s, Francis and Jeanie moved to Finley Point on Flathead Lake. It was there that he grew cherries in his own orchard for many years. For years to come, folks will remember Francis for his talent and ability to grow things. He was very fond of growing flowers; among his favorites were roses, petunias, and geraniums. Every year, Francis prepared his flowers for the Farmers Market in Kalispell.

He also kept a greenhouse where he successfully grew hydroponic tomatoes and sold them to local merchants. Francis also enjoyed watching birds, wildlife, and loved the outdoors.

Francis was a member of the Masons for 50 years. He was also a member of the First Baptist Church of Polson, where he faithfully attended and served for over 36 years.

Francis was preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Jeanie; two children — son Bill Williams and wife Melody of St. Paul, Texas, and daughter Kim Stallknecht and husband Kurt of Kalispell. Francis was a wonderful grandfather to four grandchildren: Ariel and Alanis, Daniel and Benjamin. He is also survived by his brother Gordon "Squirt" and wife Barbara of Willow Creek; sister Norma Miller of Three Forks; several nieces, nephews and cousins, and father and mother-in-law Kirby and Esther Hicklin of Polson.

Visitation will be held at the Grogan Funeral Home on Thursday, Feb. 2, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday, Feb. 3, from 9 a.m. to noon. The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. on Friday in the First Baptist Church in Polson with the Rev. Rudy Ringhoff officiating. Military honors will be held at the church following services. Military graveside services will be held on Saturday, Feb. 4, at 2 p.m. in the Willow Creek Cemetery at Willow Creek with Laurens Edwards officiating.