Warren E. McWilliams

Warren Eugene McWilliams, Raymore, Missouri (formerly of Harrisonville, Missouri), departed this earth on Friday, July 4th, 2014. He was born on June 2, 1922 in Adrian, Missouri to Lucien Willard and Sarah Opal (Elder) McWilliams.
Warren was united in marriage to Bonnie Louise McGraw on April 2, 1942. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Harrisonville for more than 60 years.
Due to family circumstances, Warren was reared in Austin by his beloved grandmother, Katie McWilliams. Warren graduated from Archie High School in 1937. He served as a radio repairman in the Army during World War II and was stationed in North Africa. After he was discharged, Warren trained in Chicago and worked as an electrician. He retired from Western Electric in Lee’s Summit in 1984. As a young adult Warren enjoyed hunting and fishing, predominantly with his father-in-law, Fred McGraw, and brother-in-law, Lee Reed. He commandeered road trips across the United States with Bonnie and his young son, Ed, seeing all the important sights. Warren was a Model A enthusiast, renowned for his stunning restorations with innovative options such as air conditioning and cruise control. His enthusiasm for engine-driven things on wheels is his legacy; his son, grandson and, so far, one great-grandson all enjoy the art of tinkering, just as he did. Warren and Bonnie were long-time members of the Kansas City Model A Club where they participated in numerous road rallies and car shows. He won national recognition for his automobiles. They also loved to travel in something other than a Model A, whether it was a bus trip to Nova Scotia or a cruise to Panama or Alaska, they enjoyed their many adventures together. Warren loved his spending time with his family and extended family and always looked forward to the next time.
Warren was preceded in death by his beautiful wife of 67 years, parents, infant daughter Fern Elaine, sister Wilma, and brother Harland.
He is survived by his son, Ed and wife Nancy, New Port Richey, Florida and Raymore, Missouri; three grandchildren, Matthew McWilliams and wife Megan, Wilmington, Delaware; Kate McWilliams Hendrickson and husband Matthew, Bedford, Massachusetts; Lindsey McWilliams Day and husband Matthew, Williamstown, West Virginia; four great-grandchildren, Ethan and Alex Hendrickson, Parker Day, and Vanora McWilliams; sister-in-law Pat McWilliams; several nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Wednesday, July 9, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri. Inurnment will be in the Crescent Hill Cemetery near Adrian, Missouri.
The family suggest that memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans Association.