Richard Lyman Williams

The following bio is from "George Williams: A Pocatello Pioneer," by Emmons N. Williams, originally written while Dick was still alive. Tense has been changed from present to past to reflect his death.

Dick was a lifelong resident of southeastern Idaho. After finishing his schooling in Pocatello, he found employment as a messenger for Postal Telegraph. During this period he bought his first motorcycle. When he was old enough to file on homestead land, Dick chose a place in Garden Creek Basin for his first farm.

His farming career was interrupted by military service in World War II as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division. He participated in operations in Sicily, Italy, & France. On D-Day at Normandy he jumped behind enemy lines & was wounded in action in the early days of that operation. Eventually he was sent to England for hospitalization where he spent the remaining days of the war. His military awards included the Purple Heart, a citation for bravery in action, 2 presidential citations, the Bronze Star, & a good-conduct medal.

After the war Dick married Thelda Humphreys. They had 2 sons, Dan & John, & a daughter, Debbie. Thelda passed away in 1968, & Dick later married his 2nd wife Vivian. His sons & daughter were employees of the Union Pacific Railroad in train service occupations.

Dick returned to his farm after his discharge from the service & acquired more land in Garden Creek. He & Thelda built a large home in Garden Creek but later moved to Robin, where they bought more farm land & built another home. Farm lands also were obtained in the Inkom region.

Dick & Vivian later resided in Robin & farmed land in both Garden Creek & Robin. They also had a cattle operation.

Dick passed away in 2004.