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.
