Widely recognized artist and sculptor, as well as physician, Dr. Gene “Yogi” Williams was born Dec. 22, 1923. Raised in El Dorado, KS, he exhibited an early talent for art.

 

Beginning his medical practice in Arizona, he moved back to El Dorado in 1970, following a heart attack.

 

Following combat in the infantry during World War II, he graduated from the University of New Mexico with a degree in fine arts, and earned a medical degree from the University of Kansas Medical School.

 

An artist of enormous versatility, his drawings, paintings, wood carvings, and sculptures have been exhibited across the United States.

At age 55, Williams died tragically in a hot-air balloon accident on July 4, 1979.

 

He was the first Pfizer Fellowship recipient in medical audiovisual education. His bronze sculpture of Jim Bridger was selected by the National Sculpture Society to be exhibited in New York City. Members of the University of Kansas Medical Alumni Association selected him posthumously as Alumnus of the Year.