Dan Williams, age 74, of Pentwater, Michigan, passed away Saturday, August 29, 2026, after battling cancer at the Leila & Cyrus Poppen Hospice Residence. He was born June 20, 1952 in Jackson, MI, to Robert E. and Marion L. “Mary Lou” (McIntee) Williams. Dan proudly served in the U.S. Air Force for over 22 years, stationed in places including Italy, Alaska, Japan and many other locations. He first served within the Military Police / Security Forces then cross-trained as an Air Traffic Controller where he spent most of his Air Force career. He married his wife of 33 years, Dawn, on April 24, 1993 in Sacramento, California.
After retiring from the Air Force, Dan worked with Fire Safety, ASM for Lowe’s Home Improvement; and later retired from MACI (Michigan Automotive Compressor, Inc.) in 2015.
Dan was committed to Hart Christian Fellowship and previously Rivertree Community Church in Jackson. He enjoyed serving others with his wife, Dawn, at Together We Can Make A Difference and being the cocinero at the Lazy Bee’s Ranch Ministry, where he would prep for the cowboy dinners over the fire. Dan was always ready to lend a hand.
These opportunities to serve aligned with Dan’s love of food and fellowship. He had an open and accepting heart with a smile that welcomed everyone. His fun sense of humor and comedic timing allowed him to always give the gift of laughter. Throughout his life Dan enjoyed golf, travel, playing games, time with family, and reconnecting with and making new friends, all while exploring the country in their 35-foot RV.
Dan is survived by his wife, Dawn (Simonds) Williams; four children, Daniel R. (fiancée, Lana Martell) Williams, Scott (Katherine) Williams, Meagan (Marijo) Bosnjak, and Dale (Moriah) Williams; five grandchildren, Gavin Williams, Maxx Bosnjak, Brayden Williams, Milo Bosnjak, and Kristoffer Williams; two brothers, Robert (Pam) Williams and Brian (Lynn) Williams; and sister-in-law, Glenna Williams; along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mary Lou Williams; and brother, Gary Williams.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 5 p.m. at Rivertree Community Church, 3113 Lansing Ave., Jackson, MI 49202. Interment with Military Honors was held at Fort Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Dan’s memory to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, www.nchv.org, or the Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
Arrangements handled by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. Sign the online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.
