Bonner Leckler Willis Jr.

SWEET LAKE --- Bonner L. Willis, 87, died Friday, July 18, 2014, in a local nursing center following a short illness. Born in Beaufort, North Carolina, he followed in his father's footsteps, working many years as a Menhaden boat captain for Harvey Smith Fisheries. In the late 1950's, the job brought Mr. Willis and his young family to settle in Cameron, Louisiana, which for a time became known as the # 1 fishing port in the nation. Mr. Willis' competitive nature was always at play on the job. There were many seasons he ranked as the # 1menhaden captain proudly bringing in the largest tonnage of the season for Gulf Menhaden. In later years he captained his personal shrimp boat. He was a Navy veteran where during the latter part of World War II he was stationed on the aircraft carrier, USS Bunker Hill. After the war ended, he was honorably discharged. Mr. Willis was Baptist and attended the Grand Lake Community Church.

Survivors include Judy Willis, his devoted wife of 45 years, sons, David Willis of Sweet Lake and Butch Willis of Lake Charles, daughters, Bonnie Conner and Jill Willis, of Lake Charles, 8 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased in death by son, Rodney Willis.

A funeral service will be held at Hixson Funeral Home, Lake Charles, Tuesday, July 22 at 11:00 AM. Visitation will be from 4:00 - 9:00 PM, Monday, July 21 at the funeral home and will resume at 9:00 AM Tuesday

until service time. Burial will be in Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery, Lake Charles. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.