Merwin Francis Williams was born on February 3, 1922, in Onalaska, Washington to parents John & Florence (Wisner) Williams. He passed away on January 27, 2015. Merwin grew up in Centralia where he became a very successful baseball player through high school, later moving on to play semi pro ball. Merwin served his country in both World War II and the Korean War. During WWII he served in the European Theater until after Victory in Europe Day. His Engineer unit then moved to the Philippines via the Panama Canal, where he worked constructing fuel storage sites. Following Victory in Japan Day, he returned to Fort Lewis as a Sergeant and entered the Inactive Reserves. Merwin married Margaret Carol Richter on August 9, 1947. He was recalled from the reserves for service during the Korean War and was awarded the Soldiers Medal for heroism when he was injured, losing his left hand, while training recruits on the grenade range at Fort Lewis prior to their deployment to Korea. Following his military service, Merwin was one of the original organizers of Little League Baseball in Centralia in 1953. He was honored at the 60th Anniversary celebration of the Centralia Little League in 2013. Merwin and Margaret had four children; Gwen (Randy) Michael of Olympia, Bob (Audrey) Williams of Lakewood, Tom (Diane) Williams of Rochester, & Terry (Linda) Williams of Chehalis. Merwin retired from the Department of Licensing in 1982. He enjoyed playing golf with Margaret, camping, hunting, fishing, and travelling. Merwin is survived by his wife of 67 years, their four children, 11 grandchildren, and 23 great grandchildren. Services will be held at St. Joseph's Parish in Chehalis on February 6 at 11:00am, followed by a graveside service at Mtn. View Cemetery in Centralia. A reception will be at St. Joseph's Parish following the graveside service. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project at: http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate