Francis C. 'Toot' Williams, 75

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 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.

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 the Flathead Lake in Polson. 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 in which he successfully grew hydroponic tomatoes and sold them to local merchants. Francis also enjoyed watching birds and 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 more than 36 years.

Francis was preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by his loving wife, Jeanie, of 44 years; and two children, eldest 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. Francis is also survived by his brother, Gordon, "Squirt" and wife, Barbara, of Willow Creek; along with sister, Norma Miller, of Three Forks. Francis also leaves behind 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 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2, and from 9 a.m. to noon Friday, Feb. 3. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday in the First Baptist Church in Polson, with the Rev. Rudy Ringhoff officiating. Military honors will be held at the church after services. Military graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, in the Willow Creek Cemetery at Willow Creek, with Laurens Edwards officiating.