In Remembrance Of
Joseph A. Willis
Joseph A. Willis 83, of Grayson, MO passed away December 13, 2010 at his home.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret of the home, two daughters, Nancy J. Willis, Independence, MO and Linda M. Taylor and husband, Jimmy, Grayson, MO; two grandchildren, Andrea Robertson and husband, Eric, Pattonsburg, MO and James J. Taylor, Grayson, MO and six great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Mary Hazelwood, St. Joseph, MO and Delores Wade, Platte City, MO.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles R. and Rosa Lena (Blankenship) Willis; two infant daughters; four brothers Robert, Jack, Benjamin and William “Bill” Willis; and a sister, Roberta Willis.
He was born on December 23, 1926 to Charles Ruth and Rosa Lena (Blankenship) Willis in St. Joseph, MO where he grew up and attended school. Joe received an honorable discharge from the US Army on July 22, 1946. He was a Private 1st Class in the 749th Railway Operation Battalion with overseas service in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre. After returning home he went to work for Big Smith Manufacturing Company and then worked at Connett Coal Lumber Company. Joe married his bride, Margaret Buckley on August 14, 1948 in a private service at brother Robert’s home. Joe then worked for Paul Cobb Builders which later became Bob Cobb Builders and built many homes in Stonecrest and other locations in St. Joseph and the surrounding area. Joe also had his own construction company, Joe Willis Homes, and built many homes in the Gower area. He then returned to work for Cobb Builders. Joe started working for Missouri Western in the summer of 1979 as a custodian and then was promoted to Maintenance Coordinator and later retired in 1992 as Physical Plant Supervisor. After his retirement, Joe worked for Clay County Parks and Recreation during the summers. He also assembled an experimental aircraft. Many hours of sweat and love were shared with friends in creating a lifelong dream. Joe will be greatly missed by family and a multitude of friends.
Funeral Service: 2:00 p.m. Thursday, December 16th at the Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Gower
Burial with Military Honors: Grayson Cemetery, Grayson MO.
Masonic Service: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday with visitation following until 8:30 p.m. at the Hixson-Klein Funeral Home
In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be sent to the Moila Transportation Fund or the Edgerton Christian Church.
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Comments & condolences
5 comments
Amy (Harris) Doepke
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
PJ
Joe was truly a great man and I was privileged to have him work for me at Clay County Park Department. He was always smiling, talking about his plane, his family and tormenting anyone he could. He made our day much more cheerful with his personality.
Richard Leahy
Our thoughts are with the Willis family and all the friends that Joe has made these may years. Joe Willis was a wonderful man with many talents and gifts he shared with all of us.
Garland & Pat Hendren
We are sorry for your loss. Our
prayers and thoughts are with you
during this difficult time.
Yvonne Tuggle
Nancy
I am sorry that your Dad has passed away. He must have been a man of many talents and interests. I am sure you will miss him. I will remember you in my prayers.
Yvonne Tuggle