Robert “R.D.” Williams

Robert “R.D.” Williams passed away peacefully at his home on March 31, 2015 at the age of 76 after several years of declining health.

Born in 1938 in Seattle, he spent his childhood in New Jersey before moving back to the area, settling in Algona in 1949.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Arla Rae Gilbert, and their five children, Rick, Don, Jackie, Denis, and Denise, as well as 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

He attended Auburn High School until 1955, at which time he enlisted in the Air Force and served four years in North Carolina. Their growing family then relocated back to Algona, and in 1968 moved again, calling Auburn their home.

He had many interests over the years, but motorsports were his real love. He was interested in all things related to cars and motorcycles, and eventually became a huge fan of NASCAR racing.