Carmel Edward Williamson, son of William Edward and Gladys (Campbell) Williamson, was born on Sept. 14, 1934, in Dykes, Missouri. He departed this life on Jan. 3, 2026, in Houston, Missouri, at the age of 91 years, 3 months and 20 days.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers: Doyle, Pete, Roy, Gene, Bob and Virgil Williamson, and his sister, Ruby Reese.
He is survived by his wife, (Beva) Arlene (Roderick) Williamson of the home in Houston. One brother, Allen Gayle and Elsie Williamson of Burke, Virginia. Two sons, Ed and Beth Williamson, Houston, and Bill and Russ Williamson, Jefferson City; six grandchildren, Clint and Kara Williamson, Grovespring, Jennifer and Patrick DeBrodie, Jefferson City, Nathaniel Williamson, Holts Summit, Ethan and Clare Williamson, Columbia, Elisa and Stuart Lybyer, Licking, and Zev Williamson, Jefferson City; 11 great-grandchildren, Alexis Reno, Alex DeBrodie, Kristin DeBrodie, Kylee DeBrodie, McKenzie DeBrodie, Eleanor Craig, Wesley Williamson, Reese Williamson, Sebastian Lybyer, Everlynn Lybyer and Carver Lybyer. He is also survived by several cousins, numerous nephews, nieces and friends.
Carmel attended Coffey School near his home and graduated from Houston High School (Class of 1953). Following high school, he worked a variety of jobs before joining the U.S. Army where he served in Europe as part of the Army of Occupation. He later joined the U.S. Air Force where he served as a B-52 jet engine mechanic and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He earned the Airman’s Medal for heroism and the Air Force Commendation Medal for meritorious service. On Sept. 8, 1958, he married Beva Arlene Roderick in Long Beach, California. In 2025, they celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary.
Following his retirement from the U.S. Air Force, he served several years as a deputy sheriff in Texas County, Missouri, and as a patrolman for the City of Houston police department. Carmel was a longtime volunteer leader for the Boy Scouts of America (Troop 62, Houston), an avid gardener, lover of animals and master of ceremonies for the annual turtle races at the Williamson family reunions, he especially loved spending time with family.
A gifted baseball player himself, he coached several Little League Baseball teams. He was honored in 2022 for 50 years of service in placing flags upon the graves of veterans during Memorial Day weekend. He could fix anything and was in constant demand for repair services by members of his family. He raised Charolais cattle for many years. He loved history and reading about the Old West. He enjoyed crossword puzzles, word searches and putting puzzles together. He was a self-taught harmonica player whose rendition of “Red River Valley” was exceptional. Carmel was a member of the Bendavis Church of Christ.
Services for Carmel Edward Williamson include a visitation at Evans Funeral Home, Houston, from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, followed by graveside services with full military honors at Hickory Ridge cemetery, Upton, at noon, conducted by Brother Todd Richardson. Burial will be in the Hickory Ridge Cemetery. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to the Concord Cemetery of Texas County, Missouri, or the charity of the donor’s choice.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Evans Funeral Home of Houston. Online condolences may be left at www.evansfh.com.