CHARLES REYBURN WILLIAMS

Charles Reyburn Williams was born on December 27, 1945, in Parsons, Kansas, and passed away on January 29, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas.

Charles was the eldest son of Arnold and Neva Williams. He grew up in a family rooted in hard work, love of family, and community values. His father, Arnold, worked as an engineer on the MKT Railroad, leaving Charles with a deep love of trains that he carried throughout his life.

Charles grew up in Parsons, Kansas, home to a large rail yard for the MKT. He loved to hunt and fish and showed a natural ability in engineering and mechanics. He graduated from Altamont High School and from Parsons Junior College. Charles met his future wife, Charlene Colman, at Parsons Junior College. They married in June of 1966 in her hometown of Oswego, Kansas. Over their 59 years together, they grew their family with 3 children and 2 grandchildren.

Charles was a skilled mechanic, welder, and draftsman, working in a variety of roles using his engineering knowledge. In 1989, Charles moved his family to the Fort Worth area, where he was able to fulfill his dream of being an engineer on a steam locomotive. He proudly served as a train engineer at Six Flags Over Texas before he became a ride mechanic, a role that blended his love of all things mechanical with a bit of fun.

Charles was a member of First Christian Church of Parsons and later, a member of University Christian Church in Fort Worth.

He was known for his sense of humor, quick smile, quiet strength, and ability to show up when needed. He had a strong work ethic that made it easy for him to work until he retired at 77 years old.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents and by his younger brother, Gerald Williams.

He is survived by his wife, Charlene; his children, Rob Williams (Kerry Foster Williams), Bryan Williams (Tim Nelson), and Danyelle Williams Ackall (David Ackall); his grandchildren, Brett Williams and Malcolm Keenan; and his sister-in-law, Theresa Kaza.

Charles Reyburn Williams will be remembered as a devoted husband, supportive father and grandfather, skilled craftsman, and aspiring comedian.

The family will hold a private service to commit his remains to the memorial garden at University Christian Church.

Donations can be made to University Christian Church's memorial fund, https://www.shelbygiving.com/App/Form/128cd1fc-70bf-434a-b9e6-fa3c069ab76e, or to Scouting America (fka Boy Scouts), https://donations.scouting.org/?_gl=1*1bfgduq*_gcl_au*NDA2MTYwOTMyLjE3NzAxMzU2MjI.*_ga*Nzg5MTA0ODUuMTc3MDEzNTYyMw..*_ga_20G0JHESG4*czE3NzAxMzU2MjIkbzEkZzEkdDE3NzAxMzU2MjIkajYwJGwwJGgw&_ga=2.34435297.1350809997.1770135623-78910485.1770135623#/council/NCFD/appeal/6539