C. Mark Williams

Clifford “Smock” Mark Williams was born Sept. 1, 1961, to Larry Clifford and Martha Ann (Miller) Williams in Lenox. Mark graduated from Creston High School with the class of 1979 and immediately joined the United States Navy. He was part of the Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 11 in San Diego, California. Mark served in Asia where he was stationed in the Philippines for five years. Upon his return to civilian life, Mark returned to Creston in 1987 and opened Charley’s.

Mark was famous for his Charley burgers and his enchiladas. You could always find him working day and night, being a friendly face and good ear to all those who patronized his establishments.

Mark retired briefly from Charley’s but the bug for serving people and never meeting a stranger had him back in business with That Bar. Mark closed That Bar recently and decided to enjoy retirement, spending time with his grandchildren and trading on the stock market with his father.

Mark is preceded in death by his mother Martha Williams and his grandparents.

Mark is survived by his son Mark (Sarah) Williams; three granddaughters: Lydia, Mallory and Harper; grandsons, Archibold and Dexter; his son, Kenneth (Corey) Thorp and his son, Brayden and daughter, Kailani; his father Larry Williams; his brother Clarence Williams (Kathy Novy); his sister Lori Williams; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Per his wishes, Mark was cremated. A Memorial Service will be 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 25, at Pearson Family Funeral Service & Cremation Center. Pastor John Rutz of Trinity Lutheran Church will officiate the service. A visitation with the family receiving friends will be 4-6 p.m., Friday, Oct. 24. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Creston VFW Post #1797. Military Honors will be provided by the Creston VFW Post and the United States Navy. Mark’s ashes will be interred in the Graceland Cemetery at a later date.