Maris D. Williams, 85, of Aberdeen, passed away Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2017, at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital in Aberdeen.  He had the opportunity to have most of his family members with him throughout the day.

Maris’s wishes were to be cremated.  His memorial service will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 29, 2017, at Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen.

A luncheon and time of fellowship will immediately follow the service at Schriver’s Memorial Fellowship Center.

Inurnment, with military rites, will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens Mausoleum in Aberdeen.

Visitation will be held at the mortuary one hour prior to the service on Wednesday.  Friends may sign Maris’s online guestbook at www.schriversmemorial.com.

Maris Donald Williams was born May 11, 1932, to Mybra G. “Mike” and Gladys R. (Mackey) Williams in Ipswich, SD.

Maris graduated from Ipswich High School in 1950 and South Dakota State College (now SDSU) in 1954 with a degree in Pharmacy.  An outstanding athlete in all high school sports and in collegiate wrestling and track, he was awarded multiple letters at both educational levels.  He also represented Ipswich High School at Boys State.

Maris participated in ROTC at SDSU and was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in the United States Army.  He served active duty in the Army of Occupation in Berlin, Germany from 1955-1957.  Maris served in the U.S. Army Reserves until 1964, when he was honorably discharged as a 1st Lt.

Maris practiced pharmacy and managed drug stores in Britton, Mobridge and Rapid City.  He returned to Britton in 1965 to once again manage Quarve Drug, eventually purchasing it.  Maris sold Quarve’s in 1994 and retired to his Clear Lake cabin before moving to Aberdeen in 2002.

Maris was married to Marlyce G. “Molly” Thayer in 1956; they were later divorced.  They had three children:  Dawn, Lynn and Mike.

Maris and Connie Foss were married February 14, 1979 in Britton.

Maris was active in all the communities in which he lived and was a supporter and promoter of each.  He held memberships in the Britton United Methodist Church, Yelduz Shrine, Order of Jesters, and was a lifetime member of the VFW and American Legion.  Maris was a founding director of the Buckhorn Rodeo Association, Britton Area Hospice and Affiliated Independent Druggists.  He served on the Boards of the Britton Area Chamber of Commerce, Britton Development Corporation, and Marshall County Memorial Hospital, among others.  He also helped start the wrestling program in Britton and was honored to have refereed the first State Wrestling Tournament in Redfield.

Maris was an avid investor and watched the stock markets closely.  He was an early investor in Super 8 Motels.  He read multiple daily newspapers, professional journals and financial publications.  Maris enjoyed most sports, especially football, and thoroughly enjoyed his coffee hours and his happy hours where he and friends tried to solve all of the world’s problems!

Maris helped many people without seeking recognition, fanfare or anything in return.  Nothing made him happier than to see someone become successful through hard work, integrity, and the wise use of a “hand up” if necessary.  He never forgot his roots and always remembered those who were kind and helpful to him throughout his years.

During his ownership of Quarve Drug, Maris had loyal, dedicated employees and credited them often for his success.  Additionally, his customers were not just “faces” or “prescriptions”; they were his friends.  Their mutual loyalty made life better for all.  He firmly believed that by working “smart and hard”, one creates his own “good luck”.

Survivors include his wife, Connie Williams, Aberdeen; three children:  Dawn (Tim) Theunissen, Aberdeen, Lynn (Brian) Baker, Aberdeen and Mike (Tanny Bacon) Williams, Lubbock, TX; six grandchildren; three great-grandsons; and one sister, Beverly Wendt, Aberdeen.

Maris was preceded in death by his parents, Mike and Gladys Williams; one sister, Verna Lea Petersen; and an infant brother.

Maris suffered from dementia for the past several years.  He fought very hard to maintain his sense of self and dignity.  To those who are impatient or make fun of those with memory loss, please remember, “There but for the grace of God go you”.  

Maris asks his friends to remember, “He’s got one coming!!”  

Condolences may be sent to:  Connie Williams, 903 North Harrison Street - Apt #2, Aberdeen, SD  57401.

Memorials may be directed to:  Britton Area Foundation, PO Box 415, Britton, SD  57430, or to the Yelduz Shrine Transportation Fund, 802 South Main Street, Aberdeen, SD  57401, or to the charity of one’s choice.