Lester Alfred Williamson

L. A. Al Williamson November 27, 1926 February 23, 2008 L. A. Al Williamson of Waco passed away at Providence Hospital on February 23, 2008 at the age of 81. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, February 27th at 3:30 p.m. at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home. Al was born in Altamont, Kansas on November 27, 1926 to Lester Alonzo and Myrtle Williamson. He graduated from Labette County High School and went on to get his degree from Pittsburg State Teachers College. He later received his Masters Degree from Sam Houston State. He coached in Gridley, KS from 1950 to 1953; Newkirk, OK from 1953 to 1956; Caldwell, KS from 1957 to 1962; Kemp, TX from 1962 to 1966 and Meridian, TX from 1967 to 1977. He was Superintendent of Schools in Kemp, TX from 1979 until he retired in 1992. He coached state champion track and field teams in Newkirk, OK 1957; Caldwell, KS 1962 and in 1977 he coached both the girls and boys state champion teams in Meridian, TX. He was known just as "Coach" by hundreds of young adults in Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. His philosophy was the same as all dedicated teachers and administrators, was that he had an impact on just one kid in his career that all the hard work was worth it. Coach Williamson was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Jane Williamson and his son-in-law, Charlie Johnson. Survivors are his devoted daughter, Betty Johnson of Lorena; his son, Jim Williamson and wife, Peggy of Moody; brothers, Elmer Williamson of Arlington, Kenneth Williamson and wife, Edna of Coffeyville, KS, and Bill Williamson and wife, Gayle of Valley Center, KS; sisters, Mary Neely and husband, Burl of Coffeyville, KS and Darlene Misener and husband, Roy of Union Missouri; grandson, Jerry Woolverton and wife, Brenda of Wylie; granddaughter, Brenna Neystel and husband, T.J. of Eddy; granddaughter, Kasey Davis and husband, Shane of Robinson; grandson, Robert Johnson of Moody; grandson, Caymen Wood of Moody; granddaughter, Mandi Miller and husband, Jace of Waco; granddaughter, Jessica Frye and husband, Mo of Pampa; grandson, Kaleb Wood of San Marcos; great grandchildren, Travis, Sissy, Tyler and James Frye, Kayde Jane Neystel, Kylee and Braxton Miller, Brycen Davis, Kelsie and Katelynn Lovell. The family would like to thank the nursing staff and doctors at Providence Hospital for their kind, understanding and caring help in his last few days. Thanks to Providence Hospice for helping the family feel more comfortable with the personal struggles you have to go through at times like this. He will be truly missed here on earth but it is comforting to know God has added another winner to his coaching staff. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com. Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey