Christopher Owen Williams, known to family and friends as Chris, passed away in his sleep on June 18, 2026, in West Haven, UT, at the age of 71. He was born on December 28, 1954, in Cheverly, MD, and lived a life marked by intelligence, curiosity, dedication, and quiet strength.

Chris was the beloved son of Ellen Kantner Williams and Harry Williams, both of whom preceded him in death, and the cherished brother of Kathy Williams Watson, who also passed before him. He is survived by his brother, Bruce Williams and his wife, Cissy, as well as his two nieces, Jeanne Crisler-Smith and her husband, Rory, along with their children Ray, Becca, and Fiyyah, and Nichole Corbin and her husband, Kyle, along with their son, Kyle Jr. His family will remember him for his thoughtful nature, his sharp mind, and the steady presence he brought to those around him.

Chris grew up in Kentland, MD, and then moved to Bowie, MD where he graduated from Bowie High School and began developing the analytical mind that would guide him throughout his life. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering from the University of Maryland where he enlisted in ROTC and later completed a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Utah. His education reflected both his technical ability and his practical understanding of how ideas become meaningful work. Chris lived in the Ogden - West Haven area for 40+ years and enjoyed chatting with his close by neighbors.

Chris served his country with distinction as an engineer in the United States Air Force stationed at Hill AFB, where he rose to the rank of Captain. His work in the Air Force included evaluating nuclear tests and briefing pilots on missiles and various types of ordnance. He later designed the Heads Up Display for the F-16, a contribution that reflected both his technical skill and his ability to solve complex problems with precision and care. He also was part of the team that designed, launched, and operated a satellite for ham radio operators, an accomplishment that stood as a testament to his ingenuity and his lifelong interest in communication and technology.

Following his military service, Chris continued his career as an engineer at CAST Navigation, where he applied his knowledge, discipline, and thoughtful approach to his work. Those who knew him professionally appreciated his intelligence, his analytical mind, and the calm, dependable way he approached every challenge. He was a man who thought deeply, worked carefully, and took pride in doing things well.

Outside of work, Chris embraced a wide range of interests that brought him joy throughout his life. He was a private pilot and loved traveling and was fortunate to visit Singapore, Thailand, the Panama Canal, Australia, the South Pacific, and numerous countries in South America and Europe. He also traveled to many US states from Alaska to Maine and back to Maryland where he never missed Christmas with his family. He loved reading from an early age and carried that love of learning throughout his life. He enjoyed Mozart, computers, electronics, Internet-relay chat (IRC) channels, stamp collecting, and Second Life. He also wrote two novels, a reflection of his imagination and his appreciation for ideas and storytelling. Later in life, he joined the VFW where he enjoyed giving lectures and where he met new friends. In his younger years, he was a semi-pro tennis player, showing the same focus and discipline in sport that he brought to every other part of his life.

Chris will be remembered as an intelligent, analytical, and thoughtful man whose life was shaped by service, learning, and curiosity. He made lasting contributions through his work, enriched the lives of those who knew him, and left behind memories of a life lived with purpose and quiet accomplishment. His family and friends will hold close the many ways he shared his mind, his humor, and his steady presence.