Glade was born on October 29, 1942 on the dining room table at the home of his parents, Evelyn Jones Williams and David Clark (DC) Williams, in Spanish Fork, Utah. Glade was raised in Spanish Fork and lived most of his life in that home of his birth on 300 North. He had a fun and exciting childhood with his best friend and brother, Kent. It is safe to say that between the two of them, they kept the neighborhood on their toes and always on lookout! He loved Spanish Fork and loved growing up in that small town. He spent lots of time up Spanish Fork Canyon caring for his father’s sheep and always keeping a close eye on the numerous wild cougars that his dad kept penned at their motel and cafe along Highway 6 for travelers to stop and view. He loved hunting and horses and became very well versed in the names and locations of most of the canyons and mountains ranges in the area. Glade graduated from Spanish Fork High School in 1960 and went on to attend college at BYU in Provo, but in Glade’s own words “Shortly after my enrollment at BYU, Dr. Ernie Wilkenson and I had a meeting of the minds and decided it would be better if I attended another college.” He then enrolled at the University of Utah and went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management with a major in Economics. While at the U, Glade met and married Joan Mecham, they later divorced. While married, they had two children, Brian and Kristine. Glade spent most of his professional career in the trucking industry and the last 13 years of his career he served as a Safety and Environmental Manager for the Wheeler Machinery Company in Salt Lake City. He later married Rita Peterson, they divorced, but remained friends.
Glade developed a love and interest in politics because of the strong example from his parents in that regard. They were very involved in government and the political scene which spurred Glade’s interest. He enjoyed watching his Fox News to stay informed and developed his own strong views on the issues. Glade enlisted in the U.S. Army, and was excited for the opportunity to serve his country, but after a short stint, a medical exam revealed that Glade had developed diabetes and was discharged for medical reasons,
He was also very proud of his 1930’s “Purple People Eater” that he drove in high school and retained until the last few years of his life. He soon figured out that girls loved it (that’s why he loved it) and the guys were jealous of it.
Glade loved life, especially in his hometown of Spanish Fork and he loved to laugh. His laugh was infectious and others loved enjoying a good laugh with him. He loved his family, his children and his grandchildren. Glade always loved to do things his way, which some believed may have been the “stubborn Glade way.” He was always supportive of his extended family and could always be seen at the local cemetery placing flowers and other items on many of his loved ones’ graves. He loved his friends, the Gospel and his church ward members and was very thankful to those who helped and assisted him in the later years of his life.
Glade enjoyed golfing with his long-time golf buddies….Clyde R. Hicken, Brad Wilkensen, Garth Swenson, Gary Stewart and Richard Johnson….what a group!!
Glade is preceded in death by his brother Kent Williams and parents, DC and Evelyn Williams and many aunts and uncles who really enjoyed their time with Glade. He is survived by his sister, Mara Lyman, his son Brian Williams, his daughter Kristine Pearce and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Glade Williams will be missed by many. Rest in Peace good man!
A Graveside Service will be held in his remembrance on Friday, November 10, 2023 at 2:00 pm at the Spanish Fork Cemetery. Family and friends of Glade would like to thank Brad Walker and Walker Mortuary for their care, kindness and assistance during this time of remembrance.
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