John Woodbridge Williams , 42, Evanston, Ill., formerly of this area, died Oct. 12, 1992, at a hospital in Evanston. Memorial services will be at 6:45 p.m. Monday at the Second Presbyterian Church of Kansas City and at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Chapel of St. John the Divine at Seabury Western Seminary, Evanston. Private burial will be at the Strongsville (Ohio) Cemetery. The family suggests contributions to the John WoodbridgeWilliams Memorial Scholarship in care of the Offic e of the Dean, Northwestern University School of Speech, 1905 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Ill. 60208-2260. Mr.Williams was born in Kansas City and grew up in this area. He moved to Evanston in 1968. He was a professional theatrical lighting designer. H e had created lighting designs for the Chicago Opera Theater, the Piedmont Opera Theatre in Winston-Salem, N.C.; and the Court Theatre, Chicago. He also was a consultant in the Chicago area and an associate professor of theater at Northwestern University, where he taught since 1974. He was recording secretary of Local 350 of the United Scenic Artists of America in Chicago and served on its executive board. He was director of the theater arts division of the National High School Institute fro m 1976 to 1982. He received a bachelor's degree in theater from the Northwestern University School of Speech in 1972 and a master's degree from the school in 1974. He was ordained a deacon in the Episcopal Church in 1990 and was an associate in ministr y for the Episcopal Congregation of St. Thomas a Beckett at the university. He was a counselor and adviser to Boy's Hope in Evanston. He graduated from Southwest High School, Kansas City, in 1968. Survivors include his wife, Diane Ferry Williams of th e home; his mother and stepfather, Betty and John Barnes, and his father and stepmother, Robert K. and LoreneWilliams , all of Kansas City; two brothers, David K. Williams , Oklahoma City, and Bruce R. Williams , Columbus, Ohio; a sister, Joanne W. Hindman , Kansas City; a stepsister, Lu B. Hart, Haslett, Mich., and a stepbrother, John G. Barnes III, Bedford, N.H.
Paul Wilson
John was a great actor. We were in summer stock theater and played in Arsenic and Old Lace. He played the mastermind criminal and I was his hunch back henchman. He was patient to have me work and work on my part. John was much better and the theater came to him easily. Paul Wilson
Cyndi Kaufman (Goldfarb)
I have memories of John spanning many years, because we grew up together in 2nd Presbyterian Church. He was undoubtedly one of the most sensitive, gentle and kind souls I have ever had the privilege of knowing. He was not only intelligent, but also wise. Many talents, very musical, and great in theater as Paul has pointed out. Hats off to you, John. I miss you dearly.