Michael Duane Williamson was born April 17th, 1951 in Wellington, Kansas. Mike attended Caldwell High School, graduating with the Class of 1969. While in high school, Mike played football with his Senior year being his moment of fame, his favorite memory. Following high school Mike went to Arkansas City Junior College.
After college, Mike returned to Caldwell where he bought and owned the Caldwell Tavern, the Williamson Liquor Store and the Bi-State Drive-in. Later he worked and retired from Caldwell Coop Elevator working as a Grain Operator and Anhydrous Ammonia supervisor. He came back out of retirement as head boss of Grandpa Mike's Daycare for the Stevenson boys, although the boys were actually the ones in charge. He would often tell someone "Spent time with the nieces and nephews today. Always a great time as I am just a kid myself!".
Mike was a lot of things, to many people. Everyone knew Mike as a simple soul that always had a laugh to share. It’s hard to sum up a man's lifetime on a sheet of paper between his jokes, dancing, comedy skits, and card games.
Mike had many lifelong friends and enjoyed talking and laughing with others. He was very social and found great joy in those surrounding him. He could usually be found at many places, the Kansas Star Casino, Red Barn Cafe, Caldwell Senior Center, or Sokol Hall for wedding dances, Polka and swing dancing. He could also be found Boot Scootin' or Rolling Out The Barrel on the dance floor.
He also enjoyed playing pitch and poker with friends and watching football. His favorite teams were the Caldwell Bluejays, Caldwell Outlaw football and of course, the Kansas City Chiefs. He started and coached the “Old Timers” softball team and enjoyed every minute of it.
Westerns, tear jerker movies and tv shows were Mike’s preference for television. Though he would not openly admit to the tear jerkers. Mike enjoyed watching the Waltons and any program that might have been accidentally programmed with his stellar technological skills.
Although Mike was divorced, he would tell you he was married for 15 years, but it took him 3 wives to get there!
"The best years of my life was being with Mom the last 3 years of her life” is something that Mike treasured deeply.
Mike passed away on December 3, 2022. He knew the Lord and is resting in peace, for this we can be thankful. He gave all he had. Many remember Mike for his humor, his humbleness, and his readiness to help. He is truly missed by family and friends.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents Clarence and June Korbel, and Vernie Williamson.
Mike is survived by his daughter Brandi Williamson; a dear friend that Mike considered his as his adopted son, Trevor Stevenson and an extra bonus of two grandsons, Tim and Ty Stevenson, sister Becky Lacey and her husband Larry, brothers Steve and Tracy Korbel. He is also survived by five nieces and nephews, seven great nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Though Mike considered his close friends family as well.
Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 10. 2022 at the Caldwell United Methodist Church with Pastor Matt Johnson officiating.
Memorials may be made to the Caldwell Senior Center and sent in care of the mortuary.
Friends may register 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.
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