Donald Willis

Donald Lee Willis, 87, passed away on Friday August 23, 2019 at his home in Ozark, Mo. He was born on December 22, 1931 in Parsons, Ks., to Lewis Reed Willis and Hazel Leolia (Holley) Willis. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Joe Reed Willis. Don grew up in Parsons attending Parsons Schools. In 1949 he joined the Navy and served for four years in the South Pacific during the Korean War. After his service in the Navy he returned to Parsons and began working at a printing company, Commercial Publishers. Don and Shirley Jean Waltmire were married on June 11, 1955. In 1964 they were instrumental in starting a business forms printing company, locating in Cherryvale, Ks., which they operated until selling the company in 1986. After retirement in 1990, Don was involved in many activities including helping to build a new building for the First Southern Baptist Church in Cherryvale, woodworking, classic car collection, motorcycle riding, and especially spending time with his children and grandchildren. Don is survived by his wife Shirley and four children, Stuart and Sheri Willis of Cherryvale, Ks., Jana Willis, Mark and Cindy Willis, and Jennifer Markham all of Ozark, Mo., 10 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren. In honor of the life of Don Willis there will be visitation and memorial services held on Tuesday, September 3rd at the First Baptist Church of Ozark located at 1400 West Jackson, Ozark, Mo 65721. Visitation will be begin at 11:00 AM with the memorial service to follow at 12:00 PM. The Committal Service will be held at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 5201 South Southwood Rd, Springfield, Missouri, at 2:00 PM, all under direction of Adams Funeral Home, Ozark. If desired memorials may be submitted to the First Baptist Church of Ozark Building Fund.