WILLIAMS, Sylvan - Putnam

Sylvan E (Si) Williams, 54, publisher of Covington Republican from 1939-1954 and a lifetime newspaperman died Thursday June 10 at 10:10 a.m. at the US Veteran Hospital in San Fernando, Calif it has been learned here in a message from his wife, Mrs. Myrtle I. Williams. He had been in failing health two years and seriously ill six months. His death was attributed to lung cancer. Mr. William was born in Tuscola, Ill Dec 17, 1899 the son of Silas P. and Rozella (Riddle) Williams. He went into newspaper work shortly after being released from the US Navy at the close of World War I. From 1922-1925 he was connected with newspapers in Indiana, Illinois, New York and West Virginia. From 1925-1939 he was editor and publisher of the Lebanon Advertiser at Lebanon, Ill.  In 1939 he purchased the Covington Republican. After selling the Covington Republican he went to Needles, Calif where he purchased the Desert Star Jan 1, 1946.  He was active in civic organizations in Needles until the beginning of his illness two years ago. He was a member of Needles Lodge 326, F&AM; Havasu Chapter RAM; Needles Memory Post 6501 VFW; Disabled Veterans; American Legion Post 145, Needles Chapter OES and Needles Rod, Boat and Gun Club. Mr. Williams is survived by his widow; one daughter, Mrs. Kenneth E (Rose Ann) Cunningham; one son, Sylvan S; three grandchildren and one brother, Louis D. Williams of Greencastle.  Funeral services and burial were held June 14 at the Masonic Temple in Needles. – kbz