Hugh "Red" E. Williamson

Hugh E. “Red” Williamson, age 94, died on April 11, 2025. He was born on August 16, 1930, in Clearwater, KS. Red was the fifth of six children born to his parents, James Franklin Williamson and Jennie (Struthers) Williamson. He was preceded in death by his parents and all five siblings: Doris, Richard, Ruth, Edith and Judith. He was also preceded by his wife Carol. Red is survived by his children Cindy (David) Packard, Wendy Williamson and Barbara Williamson and two granddaughters Jenna (David) Stone and Christa Packard.

Red lived northeast of Clearwater until 1953 and attended two rural schools and Clearwater Elementary School before going to Clearwater High School. He helped with his family’s dairy and farming operation, taking over the farming at the age of eighteen. In addition, he helped on neighboring farms and worked for Garretson and Lundine Equipment during the winter and spring.

In 1953, Red accepted employment with Builders Inc. as a batch plant operator and helped to build Garvey Grain Elevator at 53rd Street South and Hoover Road in Sedgwick County, KS. He went to work in January 1956 for Frontier Chemical which was later purchased by Vulcan Chemical. He was a chlorine plant operator for 22 years before transferring to Vulcan’s instrument shop in 1978. He retired in February 1994.

On September 1, 1957, Red was united in marriage to Carol Ann Sisson, a Clearwater Elementary School teacher. They made their home in Clearwater all their married life. In addition to raising three daughters and pursuing his career in the chemical industry, Red was active in several Clearwater organizations. He was a member and Past Noble Grand of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Past Master of Unity Lodge #273 A.F.& A.M., and had served as a “Rainbow Dad” at Clearwater Assembly of Rainbow for Girls #76. Red enjoyed his hobby as a citizen band radio operator and gardening, and later in his life, his return to farming.

Visitation with family present will be Sunday, April 13 from 2-4 pm at Webb-Shinkle Mortuary in Clearwater. Graveside service will be Monday at 1:30 pm in the Clearwater Cemetery. Memorial may be sent to Unity Lodge AF & AM #273 112 W. Ross, Clearwater, KS 67026 or Phoenix Home Care & Hospice, 3450 N Rock Rd Bldg 200, Suite 213, Wichita, KS 67226.

Unity Lodge AF & AM #273
112 W Ross, Clearwater KS 67026

Phoenix Home Care and Hospice
3450 N. Rock Rd, Bldg 200, Suite 213, Wichita KS 67226