David (Dusty) Dennis Williams

Oct. 21, 1946 - Jan. 15, 2026

David Williams, beloved son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, passed away on Jan. 15, 2026, at the age of 79 in Wiggins, Miss.

He was born in Chadron, Neb., to Francis Elmer Williams and Helen Ruth Wulf on Oct. 21, 1946. His sister Londa Ann came three years later and he was instantly the “big brother.”   He was blessed with two other sisters, Ferrol Louise in 1953 and Shauna Lorraine in 1958.  The family moved around Nebraska and Wyoming until settling in Worland, Wyo. 

He graduated Worland High School in 1964 and enrolled at Northwest College in Powell, Wyo., where he joined the rodeo team and competed with Chris LeDoux. This is when he inherited the name “Dusty” from all his time in the arena. 

While at NWC, the conflict in Vietnam was escalating and David was drawn to serve his country. He enlisted in the army, following in his father’s footsteps. Francis served during WWII in the 10th Mountain Division. David’s tour of duty with the Big Red One included the TET offensive for which he received two Bronze Stars, the Purple Heart and Infantry Badge for his heroic and meritorious service.  He was promoted to sergeant and turned down a battlefield promotion to lieutenant. 

After an honorable discharge, David moved to Washington state.  There he married Kolleen Beeman and his only son Andrew Joseph Williams was born in 1971. He joined the Fife Police Department to continue his public service.  After several years with their police force, he transferred to the Big Horn County Police Department in Basin, Wyo.  He worked for Big Horn County in various capacities including as a hostage/suicide negotiator.  He was a trusted and calming voice with a deep dedication to his career.  He and family moved to Manderson, Wyo., where he was elected mayor and continued his devotion to serve.

His life took him on many adventures including Missoula, Mont., where he was a ranch manager and Clydesdale trainer.  He met Jean Flachsenhar square dancing, they married and he gained a stepdaughter Allison. As he aged, he spent more time with animals and the great outdoors as a hunter, angler, rockhound and observer.  He used these experiences to hone his creative side as an artist and craftsman. He was an avid treasure hunter and metal detectorist. You could find him in the Bitterroot, Absaroka and the Big Horn mountain ranges panning for gold.

Through the years he maintained strong relationships with his military brethren.  He moved to Pass Christian Mississippi to be nearer to his “brothers.”  There he joined the Patriot Guard Riders and attended numerous missions. He met and married Linda Breazelle, and they spent 15 years on adventures with their motorcycles, RV and beloved Schnauzers.

His father Francis preceded David in death in 1994; his son Andrew passed away in 2024. 

David is survived by his loving wife Linda, his mother Helen Ruth Williams of Sheridan, Wyo., his half-sister Norma Jean Williams of McMinnville, Ore., sisters Londa Ann Christie of Mesa Ariz., Ferrol Louise Williams of Bend, Ore., Shauna Lorraine McNabb (h. Kevin McNabb) of Dayton Wyo., his grandchild Talon Raen Capoeman-Williams of Bremerton, Wash., step-daughter Allison Puketza and granddaughters Abigail and Anja Puketza of Philadelphia, Pa. He is also survived by his stepdaughter Kelli Tatum and Alaina Capoeman-Davis, mother of Talon Raen.

He is survived by nieces and nephews Dana, Amy, Brandon, Liberty and Tori; great nieces and nephews Shelby, David Jr, Nicholas, Caitlyn, Kai, Julian and Ruby.

Services are Jan. 29, 2026, where the Patriot Guard Riders will escort his ashes on the lead motorcycle to the Biloxi National Cemetery.  There he will have partial ashes inurned with full military honors. He will also have ashes scattered in the beautiful Big Horn Mountains and with his beloved son Andrew in the Cascade Mountains.

The family appreciates your support and requests that any floral tributes in remembrance of Dusty be replaced with donations to Patriot Guard Riders.