Harold Vance Willey Jr.

Harold Vance Willey, Jr. was born in November 1929, the son of a Home Economics major Evelyn Nelson and an Electrical Engineering major, Harold Willey, who had met on the campus of the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas.

The year 1929 was tragic not only because the economy crashed, but also because a few months before Harold’s birth, his father, who was maintaining power lines, was electrocuted in a work accident. A few years later, Evelyn married Harold’s stepfather Eugene North who was a farmer, dairyman, and carpenter. Gene and Evelyn had two children, Bob who was about four years younger than Harold, and Ann who was 10 years younger.

Harold was a talented student and earned BS and MS degrees in Chemical Engineering. He worked for top aerospace companies, including General Electric, McDonnell Douglas, and Northrup. He tested materials and helped to create paints and adhesives that were resistant to high temperatures for the Gemini Project and Apollo Project. In later years he worked in IT, data processing, and other jobs to support himself and his family.

Harold met Virginia Allen in college and they were married in 1959. Virginia’s education was in elementary education and music. She worked as a school teacher and gave piano lessons and was active in church music. They had two children Don and Susan, and were dedicated parents. Virginia passed away in 1993 at age 59.

Harold was active in his church and community. He was always interested in science, politics, news, history, and the world around him. Even at 92, he had a keen mind and memory.

In his last weeks, he saw or spoke with many of his closest friends and family in-person or by phone. We owe special thanks to his caregivers and his home teacher, John Duncan, who treated him like family and brightened his final years.

Harold is survived by his sister Ann, son Don (daughter-in-law Barb and grandsons Ryan and Kyle), daughter Susan, sister-in-law Barbara (nephew Bill and nieces Beverly, Bernice, Brenda, Bonnie, Belinda, and Bobbie), and cousins Joan and Glen.

A funeral service for Harold will be held Thursday, January 6, 2022 at 10:00 AM at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1221 West Howe Street, Tempe, Arizona 85281.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.LakeshoreMort.com for the Willey family.