Willard was born on May 29, 1917 to Charles Augustus Bryan and Maude (Thigpen) Bryan in Lake Como, Mississippi. He graduated from Basin High School in George County Mississippi in 1936.
He worked in a service station operated by J S Skinner Motor Company, Lucedale, Mississippi from 1937 to 1941. Part of his job was making minor mechanical repairs.
Willard enlisted in the Army June 18, 1941. He was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. His Military Occupational Specialty was Auto Mech 014 supervising the activities of six men in connection with the minor maintenance and repair of six military motor vehicles in a motor pool. He was responsible for control and coordination of maintenance crew. During his duty Willard was in a jeep accident and suffered a compound fractured left leg which hospitalized him for six months in the Army hospital. While in active duty he received the American Theatre Service Medal, the American Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the Victory Medal. He received an Honorable Discharge from North Fork Lewis on December 11, 1945.
It was at a USO Dance he met Hallie L. Katherman who he married October 8, 1943. They lived with Hallie’s mother for 29 years before moving to Overland Park for a short time and then back to Missouri off East 109th Street. He moved to Villa Ventura December 2015 and developed many caring friendships among the staff and residents. Willard being from Mississippi was in trouble with his family for marrying a Yankee. He has said that he had two hobbies while married to Hallie which were working with auto parts and fishing in the Ozarks. Fishing trips were a yearly event up until Hallie passed away on May 24, 1997. Hallie knew nothing about fishing when they got married but he has said she turned out to be the better fisherman.
Willard worked at the Lake City Ammunition Plant making 16-inch shells. He worked at several places in the Parts Departments, K.C. Auto Supply at 16th and McGee for 18 months, Bill Sullivan Chevrolet, Land Sharp Chevrolet, Dave Cross Chevrolet where he retired in 1980. Willard received an award from the Society of Parts Professionals in recognition of outstanding Management Performance for the year 1976.
Willard and Hallie joined St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in April 1975. Willard was on the Church Council for a period, while there he became a Stephens Minister, he would open the church up on Sunday mornings and make the coffee returning Monday mornings to fill the oil up in the candles. He was also on the mowing and maintaining the yard team. After the closing of St. Peter’s in May of 2016, Willard joined the Red Bridge United Methodist Church which he was a member until his passing.
Willard was a member of the Lions Club of Kansas City Red Bridge. He was a long standing member and during his membership was on the Board of Directors, Treasurer and President at one time. He received the President Award for 2005-2006, the 26-M5 Certificate of Distinction 2016-2017 for attaining the age of 100 years and long and faithful service to Lions Clubs International and the Missouri Lions. He also received a plaque from the Lions International Foundation for Dedicated Humanitarian Services.
On August 14, 2015 Willard received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Blue Springs Terrace, Inc. in Recognition of Two Decades of Service to the Board. Blue Springs Terrace provides housing for retired ministers.
Willard was selected to be on the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. Wednesday, May 6, 2014. He was thrilled. This was his first and only trip to Washington, D.C. While there he got to see the World War II Memorial, Arlington Cemetery and other attractions.
He had a love of sports and although he would watch the Kansas City Royals, the Kansas City Chiefs were his favorite. He loved football and the Chiefs were his favorite team.
Willard was preceded in death by his parents, Augustus Bryan and Maude (Thigpen) Bryan, his wife, Hallie L. Bryan, his wife’s parents, his three brothers, Charles Edward Bryan (Billie), John L. Bryan (Pat), and Robert Eric Bryan, Sr. (Jeanne), his two sisters, Betty Jane Bryan Cirlot (Robert Sr.), and Laura Bernette Bryan Mack (Lester). In total he has nine nieces and nephews from his side of the family, Charles Lester Mack (Macy), Patsy Bryan Horn (Buddy), Robert Lee Cirlot, Jr. (Liann), Laura Jane Cirlot-New (Ray), Rev. Stephen Bryan Cirlot (Tinell), Dr. Robert Eric Bryan Jr. (Paige), Nancy Colleen Bryan Merck (husband Jim deceased), Beverly Joyce Bryan Kelly (Michael) and Nelia Shannon Bryan Pursell (James).
On his Wife’s side of the family he has a nephew Jim Rick (Sarah), and a niece (deceased) Carol Rick Hubbard (Bill).
Services will be held on Thursday, July 1, 2021 with Visitation from 12:30 – 1:00 and the Service at 1:00 at Mount Moriah, Newcomers and Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131. 816-942-2004.
David and Cindy Frensley, Michael and Sandra Reams feel very blessed to have been a part of Willard’s life.
