Lance Putnam Willett

Lance Putnam Willett, a widower and beloved father and grandfather, passed away on January 21, 2022 from cancer. He was born September 2, 1941 in Schenectady, New York, to Rulief and Ethel Willett and was the oldest of 3 siblings. Although Lance was 80 years old, he lived his life as a man half his age. This can be attested not only by his hobbies and interests, but within carpentry skills of a wooden carport he built so sound and precise that one would not believe a man his age built it. This left family members wondering "how did he manage to lift and place such massive beams all by himself?"

Lance enjoyed challenging himself, often taking pride in single-handedly doing what others wouldn't dare take on by themselves. Many times his children and grandchildren would ask why he didn't call for help, and the answer was always "I didn't need it", accompanied by a healthy story explaining how he managed it alone. This would always leave those who knew and loved him in awe.

At the age of 22, he married a young Jewish Italian lady named Renee, a Brooklynite he met while serving in the United States Coast Guard. Lance was instantly drawn to her witty and comedic demeanor. Together with their 3 young children, they moved to Texas and started an automotive repair shop.

Lance was a radiator and paint job away from completing one of many projects, his Toyota monster truck. This was a retirement hobby which helped to keep him young at heart, physically fit, and busy. He was viewed by his grandchildren as a real life Superman. He could master anything electrical and mechanical, from building his own high-end computers, modifying transceivers, winning automotive audio awards, installing the electrical layout in his home for his standby generator and home security system, and even building his V6 Volkswagen Beetle which could perform wheelies.

Lance was a true renaissance man. He was also an amatuer radio operator, skydiver, cyclist, in-line skater, and accomplished carpenter. In school he enjoyed mathematics and later learned to play the organ at Julliard. He modeled in his early 20s and obtained his commercial pilot license in Florida while expecting his second son. However, he made a career doing what he does best, working with his hands as a master automotive mechanic. Later in life, he started his own business owning and driving his own semi-truck.

Even though Lance had many accomplishments, he will always be remembered for his love of Lasagna, Blue Bell ice cream and anything chocolate, and most of all his deep love for animals. This same trait can be found in his children and grandchildren.

Lance is survived by his 2 sons, Craig and Jason Willett, along with 9 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, Renee Willett, oldest son Paul Willett, and common law wife Deborah White.

He will be deeply missed.

A Celebration of Life for Lance will be held Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 4950 Pine, Beaumont, Texas 77703, in the Halls of Serenity Mausoleum.

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