Don and Charlotte Williams were life-long citizens of Illinois, with strong ties to their community.

Charlotte Nutt was born May 13, 1923, in Moline, Ill., and Don was born April 1 of the same year, also in Moline. They were married on Aug. 6, 1949 at the First Methodist Church, Moline.

Charlotte graduated from Paris High School in Paris, Ill., and from DePauw University in Greencastle, Ind. She taught for a short time in Indiana, but then returned to Moline, where her family owned the Moline Iron Works foundry. In 1948 during Moline's Centennial celebration, Charlotte was honored with the title of Queen Moline. She began a career in educational broadcasting at WHBF in Rock Island with a show, "Kiddies Corner," where she was known as Aunt Charlotte to her listeners. She was also employed by WQUA, Moline, as a continuity writer in charge of women's activities. She was a member for many years of the Tri-City Garden Club and the PEO, and supported several local charities.

Don graduated from Moline High School and attended Augustana College in Rock Island. In 1947, he joined his parents' pneumatic air tool company, the Don E. Williams Co., as a salesman. His family worked together until his father passed away in December 1958. Don and his mother kept the business growing into a major tool supplier with several branches throughout the Midwest and Southern United States. Don's mother died in September 1988, but the Williams Co. continued to thrive with the help of continued innovation and loyal employees. In addition to his work, Don was a member of AMVETS, Short Hills Country Club, the Society of Engineers, Fraternal Order of Police, Illinois Sheriffs Association, NRA, and a board member of Metro Bank in Moline.

Don and Charlotte were known for their giving spirits. One evening while out to dinner at the Lighthouse in Port Byron, Ill., the couple noticed a table of high school students dressed for their senior prom. The Williams' decided to surprise the teens, and paid the tab for all their meals.

Instead of birthday gifts for himself, Don would fill cards with $10 bills for friends and employees to surprise them on his special day.

Both Don and Charlotte loved all things "western," especially horseback riding and traveling to the western United States. Charlotte also enjoyed traveling to Europe, especially Spain, with her friends. The couple wintered in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, for several years, and then in San Francisco, Calif., until Don's death in October 1997. Charlotte passed away in September 2003.

The Community Foundation is pleased to administer the Don E. and Charlotte Williams Scholarship Fund. The Williams' viewed young people as our future, and took great pride in knowing what educational opportunities the scholarship fund would provide.