He was born on March 20, 1925, in Bloomfield, MO, to the late Judson Marshall and Coatney Welker Willis Sr.
On April 3, 1947, in Rolla, MO, he married Catherine Tyler Willis, who preceded him in death on April 2, 2002.
He was a veteran of the United States Army Air Corp, where he served as a Navigator on a B-24 Liberator during World War II. On December 6, 1944, his plane was shot down over Gyor, Hungary. He was a P.O.W. from December 6, 1944, until May of 1945. After the service he attended Southeast Missouri State University and Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy (now Missouri S & T), where he received his engineering degree.
He was an avid quail hunter, fisherman, and St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan.
Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, James and Annette Willis of Farmington, MO; one daughter and son-in-law, Terri and Don Adams of Matthews, MO; a daughter-in-law, Beth Willis of Kennett, MO; six grandchildren; seven great- grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and wife he was preceded in death by two sons, Judson M. Willis III and Steven S. Willis; three brothers, James H. Willis, Jess Willis, and Ray Willis; and one sister, Mildred Bernard.
Visitation will be held Friday, February 22, 2019, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel in Sikeston, MO. The funeral service will be Saturday, February 23, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel in Sikeston, MO, with Rev. Dan Wisely , officiating. Interment will follow at Bloomfield City Cemetery in Bloomfield, MO.
Pallbearers will be Michael Willis, Andrew Willis, Dee Adams, Daniel Adams, Patrick Mills, and Mike Perry.
Honorary pallbearers are Amanda Willis Mills, Marshall Adams, Landyn Adams, Keaton Adams, and Wesley Adams.
Online condolences may be sent to www.nunneleefuneralchapel.com
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