Funeral Services for Claude John Williams Jr., 80, of Indianola, who passed away Sunday, February 2, 2020 in Des Moines will be held 10 a.m., Thursday, February 6, 2020 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola with burial following in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Indianola, IA.

Claude was born and raised in the St Louis, Missouri area before calling Indianola home. He was born during the Great Depression without means, and his career showed the humility he had learned from this upbringing.  Never happy with 'things', Claude would have rather seen these gifts given to his family and children.

Formally an employee of Target, where he met his future-wife, Karen, Claude was working as the store manager at the local Pamida before transitioning to positions at Food Saver, Super One Foods, or Albertons throughout Des Moines, or in the optometry field before his retirement, Claude could always be seen with a smile. He dedicated his life to helping others and raising his family.

When Claude was not enjoying time with his family and friends, he could be found watching his favorite baseball team, the St Louis Cardinals, or the Iowa Hawkeyes football and basketball teams. He spent many summer days in Minnesota and Canada fishing for Walleye and Northern Pike, as well as attending various athletic events for his children and friends.

The world lost a humble, caring, and devoted family-man and husband, and he will be forever missed.

He is survived by his children, Justin (Bethany) Williams, Adam (Portia) Williams, Brennan (Laura) Williams, Pam Schmidt, Theresa (Andre Renaud) Schmidt; eight grandchildren; brother, Danny Williams; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, Karen; son, Jeffrey Joseph Schmidt; parents, Claude Sr. and Edna Calvin.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at the funeral home where family will be present from 5 to 7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made in Claude's name to the Alzheimer's Association or Suncrest Hospice.