Stratford Williams

(based on the obituary in Anadarko Daily News, April 25, 2013)

Stratford Dave Williams, 62 of Anadarko, Okla., departed this life on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at Mercy Health Center in Oklahoma City, Okla. with his family at his side. He was born October 27, 1950, to Driscol and Betty Ann (Lorentz) Williams in Lawton, Okla.

He was a graduate of Anadarko High School. He was united in marriage to Nancy Jean Bitseedy on October 12, 1973, in Anadarko, Okla. He was a member of the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes and the Kiowa Gourd Clan.

Williams served his Wichita people in many capacities over the past twenty years. He worked for the Special Tribal Courts, AOA and TERO programs in the early 90's. He served as the Transportation Planner from October 1998 until June 2011. He also served on various Committees such as the Wichita Tribe Industrial Development Commission, Wichita Annual Dance Committee and the WCD board.

He was a respected leader of the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes. Williams was elected as the Secretary of the Wichita Executive Committee in July 1996 and served in that position until July 2000. He was then elected Vice-President for two consecutive terms in July 2004 and July 2008.  He served in the position as President of the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes from September 2010 until 2011.

Williams was known around the U.S. as an emcee who could always put a smile on anyone's face. No matter if he was teasing you or cracking a joke about himself, he enjoyed making people smile and laugh. He was an avid collector of hats, tools, watches, pens and planners. He enjoyed shopping for good deals at every thrift store in Oklahoma and also his favorite, Goodwill. Stratford enjoyed the summers spent playing fast pitch softball with N'Dako Title Research.  After he was no longer able to play, he enjoyed watching his sons, nephews and grandsons continue to play.  His greatest love was for his family; he especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, willing to do anything to keep them happy.  He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by three sons: Robin Bitseedy and wife Robin of Anadarko, Okla., Benjamin Williams of Phoenix, Ariz., and Elijah Williams of Anadarko, Okla.; two daughters: Abbie Spence and husband Joshua, and Haley Williams all of Anadarko, Okla. Nine grandchildren: Julie Mace, Darian Williams, Jade Bitseedy, Lenaya Williams, Stacy Williams, Matthew Toyekoyah, Lily Williams and Logan Williams; one brother, David "Chief" Williams and wife Joan; two sisters: Gladys "Babe" Walker and her companion Jerry Davis, and Dawn Stephenson and husband Leland, all of Anadarko, Okla.; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

Williams was preceded in death by his parents; wife Betty Ann; two brothers, Michael Williams and Gerald Williams; and one brother-in-law, Martin Bitseedy.

He was buried at Rock Spring Cemetery near Anadarko, Okla.