Audra L. "Bud" Williams

Audra L. "Bud" Williams

Coralville

Audra L. "Bud" Williams, age 92, of Coralville, formerly of Iowa City, passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, following cardiac arrest at Grand Living at Bridgewater in Coralville.

Funeral services will be held at 6pm Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City where there will be a time of visitation from 4pm Tuesday until service time. Following services, there will be a time of fellowship at the funeral home. Burial will be at a later date in Maryville, MO. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Bud’s memory to the Bud Williams Cross Country Scholarship c/o the Foundation for the ICCSD 1725 N Dodge St. Iowa City, IA 52245. Online gifts may be made at bit.ly/citymemorial.

Bud was born on September 7, 1932, in Maryville, MO, to Audra and Edith (Baker) Williams. Growing up on a farm, he developed a strong work ethic from an early age, helping his father with numerous tasks, including running the local "Cream Station," cutting firewood, trapping animals, and driving trucks. During World War II, he transported families to different states and worked as a farmhand, experiences that shaped his lifelong appreciation for hard work and resilience.

After graduating from high school in 1950, Bud earned a B.S. in 1954 from Northwest Missouri State College and an M.S. in 1958 from the same institution.

On September 1, 1949, Bud married Bonnie Jean Bowman. They later moved to Harlan, Iowa, before settling in Iowa City in 1958, where he began his distinguished career in education and coaching with the Iowa City Community School District. He worked as an educator, coach, and assistant principal at Central Junior High before becoming the Dean of Students and Cross-Country Coach for Girls & Boys and Girls Track at City High. Even after retiring from administrative duties in 1993, Bud continued coaching until 1998. He later served as the Womens’ Cross-Country Coach at Northwest Missouri State University.

Bud’s coaching legacy is marked by remarkable achievements: he was named Conference Coach of the Year 21 times, won multiple MVC Championships, and received several state and national honors, including the State Association of Track Coaches' Coach of the Year award 17 times. He was also inducted into the City High Hall of Fame (1993), the Iowa Association of Track Coaches Hall of Fame (1995), and the Northwest Missouri State University M-Club Hall of Fame (2014).

Beyond his career, Bud found joy in the outdoors—hunting pheasants, camping, boating, waterskiing, and fishing in Canada. However, what he cherished most was spending time with his family.

Bud is survived by his children: Stephen Williams (Christine), Kathy Wyatt-Hanes (Gary Hanes), Audra "Wayne" Williams (Linda), and John Williams (Mary Lee); eight grandchildren: Stephanie Keeton (Justin), Zachary Williams (Rachel), Jeffrey Williams (Hannah), Melissa Clark (Brandon Baines), Cassandra Palasiewicz (Tomasz), Robert "Brandon" Hanes (Tiffany), Hilliary Lukes (Brad), and J. Audra Williams; and 13 great-grandchildren: Benjamin & Tessa Williams, Langley & Remee Williams, Wyatt Clark, Krissa Laidlaw, Lincoln & Sawyer Palasiewicz, Emma, Adelyn, & Vivian Hanes, and Ryne & Addison Lukes. Another great-grandchild is expected in June. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

Bud was preceded in death by his beloved wife, parents, sister E. Anita Shell, and brother-in-law Raymond Shell.

To share a memory or send condolences to the family, please visit the Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service website at [www.gayandciha.com](http://www.gayandciha.com).