Douglas Williams

Douglas C. Williams, 68, of Clear Lake, died Wednesday morning, Oct. 21, 2015 at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa.

A reception to celebrate Doug’s life will be held on Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, from 1-3 p.m. at the DMACC Career Academy, Hunziker Center, 1420 S. Bell Ave, Ames, Iowa.  In lieu of flowers and if you choose, memorials can be sent to the Gilbert Education Foundation or Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) scholarship fund.

Doug Williams was born to Charles and Helen Williams on March 13, 1947, in Eldora, Iowa.  He graduated from New Providence High School in 1965 and from Simpson College, Indianola, Iowa, in 1969, with a major in physical education and a minor in sociology and drivers education.  In 1973, Doug received his master’s in education, guidance and counseling degree, and in 1975, education specialist degree in administration from Iowa State University.   

He began his career at Orient-Macksberg Community School as physical education/driver education teacher and coach, 1969-71; then from 1971-74 became guidance counselor/coach at Stuart Menlo.  In 1974-75, he moved to Exira Community School as high school principal and athletic director. In 1975, he became junior/senior high school principal at Gilbert Community School, then superintendent in 1980.  Doug was a shared superintendent between Gilbert and United community school from 1988-92.  In June 2004, Doug retired from the Gilbert superintendent’s position after 29 years of dedicated service to the district.  In August 2004, he became Vice-President for Business Services at the Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) retiring in July of 2012.

While at both Gilbert and DMACC, Doug provided leadership during times of record enrollment and facility enhancement. He was also involved in many committees with the Area XI Administrator Association. His leadership at DMACC included serving on the Iowa Community College Business Officers Association. During his career, Doug served on many local, state, and regional boards.  Those where he presided as president of the board included: Ames Story County Cyclone Club; Iowa High School Athletic Association Board of Control; United Way; Mid-Iowa Computer Center; and Lions Club. In addition, Doug was very proud of his involvement with Leadership Iowa, School Administrators of Iowa Mentoring program, many Iowa State University committees, and serving as a volunteer youth basketball/baseball coach.

Doug met his wife, Pam, while attending ISU.  They married in 1975 and had one son, Christopher, currently residing in San Jose, Calif. He is also survived by sisters, Vicki (Gene) Oxley, Marshalltown, Iowa and Jane (Steve) Terrill, Ames; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Doug enjoyed working out, boating, swimming, riding bike, tennis, pickle ball, and spending time with family and friends in Clear Lake and Peoria, Az.

In agreement with his wishes, Doug has donated his body to Mayo Clinic for science research.

Fullerton Funeral Home, Mason City, was in charge of arrangements.