Funeral services for Maurice Williams, age 85, of Faith formerly of Dupree will be 10 AM, MT Thursday, May 19, 2011 at the Dupree United Church of Christ. Burial will be in the Dupree Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Visitation will be one hour prior to services. Maurice passed away Monday, May 16, 2011 at the Rapid City Hospice House in Rapid City.

Maurice A. Williams was born on April 14, 1926, in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, to Christopher and Kate (Aspdin) Williams. He grew up on the family ranch near Red Elm, SD. He attended grade schools at Lantry, Butler, and Red Elm. The family moved to Dupree so Maurice and his brother, Ramon, could attend high school. After he graduated, he joined the US Navy and served his country in World War II. After he returned home, he attended college at Colorado A&M in Fort Collins, CO. In 1950, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Husbandry. Maurice then worked for a short time for the Bureau of Indian Affairs on the Yankton Reservation at Greenwood, SD.

He returned to his home near Red Elm and continued to help his parents ranch. Maurice's mother always told him, "If you want to ranch, buy your own land." With hard work and determination, Maurice did just that. He began acquiring land, buying cattle, and built the ranch of his dreams. During this time, he also taught the ranching business to veterans for several years.

In 1957, Maurice met and married Darlene Zephier, and to this union had four children. He began working for the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Eagle Butte, SD, and continued, with the help of his wife and children, to build the ranch he always dreamed of.

Maurice was a man who worked hard to achieve his goals, and he did that with the wise use of money and fierce determination. He set out to build a legacy for his children. He never took the credit for his accomplishments as he would often tell his wife, "Mother, without the Lord we wouldn't have what we have today. We've got to remember to thank the Lord for everything he has given us."

He is survived by his wife, Darlene, of 54 years, four children, Sandra Williams Luther (James), Brady Williams, Jackie Schwartz (Mike), and Carson Williams (Samantha), 10 grandchildren, and one great grandson.

Maurice was preceded in death by his parents Chris and Kate Williams, and his brother Roman.