Des Moines
Richard “Rich” Willis, 80, passed away on Thursday, June 12, 2014 at the VA Medical Center in Des Moines. Funeral services will be held 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 24, 2014 at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel followed by burial at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter.
Rich was born September 4, 1933 in Lincoln, Nebraska to Miles and Roberta (Griffin) Willis. He grew up in Lincoln but spent his adult life in Des Moines. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War. Rich was an owner of Willis Decorating, a partner in Built Rite Homes and a partner in a thoroughbred horse racing business. He enjoyed bowling, watching football on TV, and watching his large collection of western and war movies.
He is survived by his ex-wife, Patricia (Swatta) Willis; two daughters, Ann Marie Willis (John Grigg) of Potomac, Maryland and Christine (Skip) Stewart of Renovo, Pennsylvania; brother-in law, John L. Swatta of Indianola, Iowa; sister-in law, Clare Willis of Montrose, Colorado; grandchildren; a great-grandson; nieces; nephews and cousins. Rich was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Ralph Willis.
Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel. In lieu of flowers the family requests any memorial contributions be made to the charity of their choice.
