Willard E. Kornfeld

Willard Englander Kornfeld born March 6, 1916 in Kansas City, Missouri, passed peacefully from this life on February 18, 2017 at his home in Houston, Texas. In a little over two weeks he would have been 101.

Willard, Bill, Uncle Bill or Mr. Bill was one of 4 children and grew up in a large loving extended family in Kansas City, Missouri. One of his favorite stories to tell the family was when he left home and went to California to make his fortune. After a long trip, leaving the top of the car in the desert, not being able to find a job, eating free oranges in California, he finally returned home to Kansas City without his fortune. He served in the Army during WWII as a Staff Sergeant. He married Gladys Irene Plattner on January 6, 1946. He started work in the jewelry business in 1937 and worked for many years as a Store Manager. This career took him and his family to many cities around the United States. They eventually settled in Houston, Texas in 1971. His next stop was Houston Jewelers where he worked until his retirement in 1981. Bill was an avid tennis player who went from singles to doubles as he got older and finally had to give up the game when he was in his 80’s because there are no triples.

Bill is survived by his two sons, Jeffrey Arthur Kornfeld and wife Terry of Houston and Scott Harles Kornfeld of Austin. His sister in law, Amanda Plattner and nephew Mike Plattner of Kansas City, Missouri. His nephew, Steve Kornfeld and his wife Faye of Sedona, Arizona, Owen Kross and his wife Rita of Kansas City Missouri and their three children. Bill leaves behind many friends and children of friends as Uncle Bill. Bill was also a member of “The Bench Group” and with their love, support and friendship he was able to live at home and know he was under the watchful eyes of his neighbors and friends. A special thanks to all of those who have supported and looked out for him during these last few years.

A celebration of life will be conducted on Sunday, February 26, 2017 at 3:00 pm in The Hunters Creek Chapel at Earthman Funeral Directors, 8303 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77024.