Alan J. Williams

Alan J. Williams, 78, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2025, after a sudden and brief illness, surrounded by family and friends.

Born in Des Moines, Iowa, Alan grew up in the Newton and Prairie City area. In 1968, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and married the love of his life, Lois Woody. During his service, they were stationed in England before returning to the U.S. to build their life together.

After leaving the military, Alan and Lois owned a farm in Allerton, Iowa, for 13 years. He loved farming and hunting and made friends he kept for the rest of his life. From there, they moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, where Alan worked for Honeywell and later became the Building Engineer for Troon Golf and Country Club. Upon retirement, they settled in Prescott, Arizona, where Alan combined his love of animals and hard work to start the area’s first mobile pet grooming service.

Alan was a proud and stoic man, known for his incredible work ethic and unwavering dedication to his family. Alan survived many challenges in his life but he handled them with resiliency. He had a love of old west history and was an active member of the Single Action Shooting Society (S.A.S.S.), where he competed under the alias “Shotgun Willie.” He also had a deep affection for his miniature schnauzers, having had several over the years. His loyal companion, Rooster, and his wife’s dog, Tuffy, remain a testament to his love for his four-legged friends.

Alan is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Lois; his daughter Alana and son-in-law Steve Phillips; granddaughters Chloe and Telia; his brother Gary Williams and wife Michelle of Lawrence, Kansas; sister-in-law Mary and husband Norman VanZante of Pella, Iowa; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.

He will be interred at the Veterans National Cemetery in Prescott, Arizona.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, a cause close to Alan’s heart.