Hugh E. “Red” Williamson, age 94, died on April 11, 2025. He was born on Aug. 16, 1930, in Clearwater.

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 also was preceded in death 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 18. 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. 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 Sept. 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 was 2-4 p.m. Sunday, April 13 at Webb-Shinkle Mortuary in Clearwater. Graveside service was at 1:30 p.m. Monday, April 14, 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.