Vince & Dorothy Williams

Vince and Dorothy Williams were active members of the Martin County community their entire lives.  They were united in marriage, raised their children, and made significant contributions in Martin County by participating in many different community endeavors.  Vince passed way in 1995, followed by Dorothy in 2002.

Their daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Les Lorey of Jasper, made a decision to remember both Vince and Dorothy in an exceptional and lasting way.  In 2003, they established the Loogootee Public Library Fund endowment, held by the Martin County Community Foundation, in memory of Vince and Dorothy.

The Loogootee Public Library was an important element in the lives of this couple, especially in Dorothy's life after Vince passed away.  When informed about the new endowment fund, library board members remarked on what an appropriate memorial this was for this special couple, and how beneficial this act of generosity by Barbara and Les will be to the library and community.

Vince and Dorothy’s character and community contributions made an imprint in the lives of friends and the community around them.  Vince was a charter member of the Library Board and was one of the first nine members of the Friends of Loogootee Library. He also served on the first Executive Council.  Vince was described as a very humble, down-to-earth person with multiple interests and talents.

Dorothy was characterized by her friends as having a beautiful heart and being a decent lady with high morals.  It was her grandmother who helped and encouraged her love of reading.  Dorothy’s interest in the library began during those early years when she immersed herself in books.  For many years she had a vision of what the Loogootee library could be.  The efforts of Dorothy and one of her friends, Mae Stuffle, who shared her vision, became a stabilizing force that kept people “up instead of down” as they continued throughout their lives to always walk with integrity, honor, and virtue.

Thanks to Barbara and Les, these wonderful memories of Vince and Dorothy will live on through the Loogootee Public Library Fund that will continue to help the library for many years to come.