In Remembrance Of
Brian Williams
Brian Larry Williams, 67 of rural Stewartsvile, MO went to be with the Lord on December 13, 2024 surrounded by his loving family, after a 4 year battle with glioblastoma. Brian was born on September 30, 1957 to Larry Park and Mary Alice (Hickman) Williams in St. Joseph, MO. He grew up on the family farm in rural Stewartsville. Brian was a member of Bethany Christian Church growing up. Brian attended school in Gower, graduating from East Buchanan High School in 1976. He went on to attend Central Christian College of the Bible in Moberly, MO. It was at Central that he met his future wife, Becky Jarrell, also a student. Brian and Becky were united in marriage on August 5, 1978 in Kansas City. Brian graduated from Central Christian College on May 8, 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry. In August of 1981 Brian and Becky welcomed their only child, Trisha, into the world. Brian then went on to attend Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, graduating on May 31, 1986 with a Masters of Divinity in Pastoral Care and Counseling. Brian started his ministry serving at several small congregations, including Liberty Christian Church, Cairo, MO, Blue Springs Christian Church, Blue Springs, MO and First Christian Church of Pattonsburg, MO. In September of 1987 Brian started his full time ministry at Community Christian Church in St. Joseph. Brian faithfully served the congregation at Community for over 34 years before retiring due to his health. Along with his role as a full time minister, Brian was a police chaplain with the St. Joseph Police Department. He was also a licensed funeral director for the state of Missouri, serving part time at several area funeral homes, primarily Clark-Sampson in St. Joseph.
Brian was fiercely dedicated to his family and was a devoted son to Larry and Mary. He enjoyed a close relationship with his sister Tammy, as well as his many cousins and extended family growing up. Brian and Becky were the perfect team, serving together in all aspects of the ministry. Beck was always there cheering him on and supporting him in all aspects of his life, and being a devoted care-giver when his health failed. Brian took the greatest pride in being a dad and grandpa. His daughter, Trisha, he would say, was the “apple of her ole dads eye” and they were the best of friends. When he became a grandpa to Natalya, Parker and Jace, that was his favorite role yet. He was the best Papa who adored spending any adventure he could find with his 3 grandkids, and he found a lot. Brian had a servants heart and spent his whole life serving others, often going above and beyond to assist anyone with their physical or spiritual needs. He loved sports, especially loved attending Mizzou football and basketball games over the years with friends and family. He loved vacationing to the mountains, specifically Bear Tooth Pass, and to the beach on South Padre Island. He enjoyed countless shared meals with great friends, and cherished time spent on the family farm. Brian will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, but we rejoice that he is now with his Savior. 2 Timothy 4:7- I have fought the fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Brian is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Becky; daughter, Trisha Sprague and son-in-law Ryan; 3 grandchildren, Natalya, Parker and Jace Sprague: parents, Larry and Mary Williams; mother-in-law, Loretta Jarrell; sister, Tammy Blair; nieces Joelle Blair and Kaitlin Bullmaster and husband, Eddie; great niece, Kinsley Bullmaster, other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Park and Georgia Williams and Theron and Mildred Hickman; father-in-law, Dean Jarrell; and brother-in-law, Bart Blair.
The family would like to thank the exceptional care provided by Mosaic Life Care Hospice, specifically Cynthia, Taylor and Laurie.
Visitation: 6:00-9:00 p.m. Monday, December 16th at Community Christian Church 2009 Mason Rd. St. Joseph, MO
Funeral Services: 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 17 at Community Christian Church
Burial: Mt. Zion Cemetery, Gower, MO
Donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital
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Service Details
Mt. Zion Cemetery, Gower, MO
6:00-9:00 p.m. Monday, December 16th at Community Christian Church 2009 Mason Rd. St. Joseph, MO
10:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 17th at Community Christian Church 2009 Mason Rd. St. Joseph, MO
Comments & condolences
16 comments
Karen Farnell and Howard Lull
Brian was a kind man in high school, and always a good man. My brother Howard let me know tonight that Brian had passed. We’re both grieving his passing.
There’s no doubt in my mind, that the first words Brian heard when meeting our Gracious Heavenly Father were “Well Done, My Child.” The epitome of a Child of God was Brian’s walk on Earth.
Rest in peace, Brian. Looking forward to catching up with you at the feet of our Savior.
Love and Respect Always,
Karen (Jackson) Farnell
Ralph & Lisa Landis
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. We did not have the pleasure of knowing Brian but are Blessed to know his parents and sister through Church.
Barbara Luedke
I was so sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. I so enjoyed seeing him at the office and helping in his care. Brian was always so gracious and worried about everyone but himself. I know he is healed now and has his place in heaven. Becky and Trisha please hold all your precious memories close to your heart to help get you through this difficult time!
Barb Luedke from Dr Sprague’s office.
Brad Stewart
Brian was one of the greatest men I have ever known. He always had a smile and hug every time I saw him. I always enjoyed talking Mizzou sports with him. He was key presence in my formative years and I will never forget the wonderful youth group outings with Brian and Becky. He will be greatly missed, but it is comforting to know that he led a godly life that for sure earned his spot forever in Heaven.
John Horn
sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. He is home now. Prayers to the Family.
Karen Bartlett
Always considered Brian and Becky as wonderful friends as well as members of Brian’s loving church. I will always remember Brian’s loving service for Dave. He wasn’t sure he could get through it and I could feel and hear his tearful words, but he made it. Looking forward to a great reunion some day, but not yet.
Gary and Cindy Blakely
so sorry for your loss. prayers to the family. He was a great guy and will be deeply missed
Marilyn Dugger
We were so sorry to hear bout Brian’s passing. He married both of our children and did my dad’s service when he
Passed..we met Brian and Becky through our son. He was a wonderful man and we loved his sermons and we will miss him. Better knowing he’s in the Lords home and we’ll be togather again soon….Thinking of your family and our prayers are with them!
Rita Stagner Sheppard
I am so thankful that I knew Brian as a neighbor, a friend and as a man of God. He and his church helped me at a time when I was a struggling single mom with no judgement just compassion and God’s love. Rest in peace you have certainly earned your place in heaven My love to the Willams family!
Doris and Suzie Morgan
We are so sorry to hear of Brian’s passing, always a great man and neighbor. May the Lord give the family the strength to get through the days ahead. God bless and may he rest in peace.
Katherine Graves
Thank you for all the work you have done for the kingdom and for being a light to those that walked in darkness.
Sandra Carter Gallus
I never got the opportunity to meet Brian. I grew up with Becky all through school. Some of my family and friends knew them from his ministry in Pattonsburg. He was very highly respected as. Pastor and a wonderful human being. I’m so sorry for your loss, Becky. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and the family.
Pat Keefe
So sorry for your loss. He was a good man. good husband, good father and servant of the Lord. Prayers for the family.
David Crane
Brian and Becky meant a lot to our family, even though we live many miles away, our family always looked forward to our family get togethers that always included going to church. we always felt welcome. RIP BRIAN, YOU CERTAINLY EARNED IT.
Patricia Adkins
I will never forget Brian, he had prayer with me before going into surgery for breast cancer, and as they wheeled me through the surgery doors I saw a very bright light and felt so at peace, I knew everything would be ok and I know it was due to his prayer for me.💕🙏
Alice Stagner
I am so honored to have been, Brian’s neighbor, church friend, and friend! What an awesome example of a Godly man, he has been! Love, and prayers for all his loved ones, and, friends. Miss him, already.