“America’s Mermaid,” Esther Williams, died in her sleep early Thursday morning. She was 91. Williams, a star of both the swimming pool and the silver screen, was part of Twentynine Palms history. She was proclaimed Honorary Mayor of Twentynine Palms on March 7, 1948, by Chamber President Watty Watkins. Esther Williams was well-loved in Twentynine Palms and was a frequent visitor and Pioneer Days Grand Marshall. Her brother Dave lived here for many years establishing Williams Plumbing, now Williams Mechanical, as did several of their cousins. Esther Williams and her second husband, Ben Gage, built a home in Yucca Valley. Her niece, Nancy Huntington, is married to Yucca Valley Town Councilman George Huntington. Esther Williams was born in Inglewood, and was a member of the Los Angeles Athletic Club swim team when she was in her teens. She had hoped to compete in the 1940 Olympics, but the Games were cancelled due to World War II. She was chosen to perform along with Johnny Weissmuller in the Aquacade, a Broadway swimming musical. She went on to star in 26 movies before retiring after she married her third husband, Fernando Lamas. Williams’ fourth husband, Edward Bell, survives her as do her children Benjamin Gage and Susan Beardslee; stepchildren Lorenzo Lamas, Tima Alexander Bell and Anthony Bell; three grandchildren; and eight step-grandchildren. Her son, Kim Gage, died in 2008.
ESTHER WILLIAMS, WITH CLOSE TIES TO TWENTYNINE PALMS, DIES AT 91
