Paul Eugene Williams

Paul “Poncho” Eugene Williams, age 75, died on October 24, 2023 at Essentia Health- St. Mary’s in Detroit Lakes MN surrounded by his family. 

He was born April 7, 1948 in White Earth MN. He is the son of James Allen and Margaret Louise (Fairbanks) Williams.  

Paul entered the army in 1967 and served as a combat engineer during the Vietnam War. He was a very proud Veteran and was able to experience the “Honor Flight” to Washington DC with his daughter Martha. This was a highlight in his life. 

Poncho married his sweetheart Carolyn December 27th, 1975. They lived and raised their family on the White Earth Reservation. 

Poncho had several jobs throughout his lifetime “Jack of all trades” is what his girls liked to refer to him as. Poncho was a former District III Councilmember for White Earth Nation in which he served his term for the love of his people and Reservation. Poncho retired as a Truck Driver in the early 2000. In his retirement he enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, playing cards and dice, drinking coffee and being with family and friends. Holidays and family dinners were two of his favorite things.  

Paul “Poncho” left an indelible mark on the lives of all those who knew him. He will forever be remembered as the heart of the family, a dedicated and loving father and grandfather and loving husband to his wife. He will be deeply missed by family, friends and all those whose lives he touched by his love and kindness. 

His legacy lives on through wife Carolyn and children: Martha Williams, Julie Williams, Karen (Terry) Pate, Angela (Dennis) Fuoss Jr, Jennifer (Christopher) Crockford, and Raul Williams. Poncho adored all his grandchildren. LeRoy, Gerome, I’zayah, Nevaeh, Tommy, Andy, Raven, Brendan and Rashad. Great grandchildren William, James, Emmilyn and Marcy. 

Siblings: Marlys Hammernick and Merlin (MaryAnne) Williams SR. 

Special friends: Christina Williams, Jannessa Hoban, Ashley (Chastity DeGroat) Bailey, Bob Moran Sr, Micheal “Abe” Larson. 

He is preceded in Death by his parents James and Margaret. Siblings Lyle “Cadunk” Williams, Steve Williams, Virgil “John” Williams, Valerian “Butch” Williams, Ronald “Jerk” Williams and Donna Peterson and one granddaughter Maggie Mae. 

Visitation: 4PM – 7PM, Sunday, October 29, 2023 at David-Donehower Funeral Home, Detroit Lakes.

Mass of Christian Burial: 11AM, Monday, October 30, 2023 at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, Ogema with Fr. Greg Gallagher to officiate.

Burial: Calvary Cemetery, White Earth.