L. G. Wills

L.G. Wills, 82, of Kansas City, Kansas, passed away April 24, 2016. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m, Saturday, April 30th at Our Lady & St. Rose Parish, 2300 North 8th Street, Kansas City, KS, 66101. Visitation will be from 9 - 11 a.m. preceding the service at the Church. Interment will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to one of the following organizations: American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org), American Heart Association (www.heart.org), or the International Literacy Association (www.literacyworldwide.org)

Born in Cotton Plant, Arkansas on May 15, 1933 to James and Sadie Mae Wills, L.G. was united in marriage to his soulmate Rosa Lee Upton in 1952 and relocated to Kansas City, KS to start anew and raise a family. Seven children were born from this marriage, and L.G. and Rosa Lee continued to build their family and lives together until Rosa Lee's passing on May 25, 1972.

A long-time Kansas City, Kansas resident and business owner, L.G. worked for Clarkson Construction Company for 30+ years, officially retiring in the late 1980's. Once he was officially "retired", L.G. poured even more of his time and energy into Wills' Construction, which afforded him the opportunity to continue pursuing his passion, as he truly found his calling & peace in building and construction-related projects. L.G. was also a member of the Laborer's Union Local 1290, and owned several grocery stores and restaurants over the years.

L.G. was a very dedicated member of Our Lady & St. Rose Church, where he spent his life building his personal relationship with God, and selflessly donated his services, time and money to support the Church family he was a part of.

When L.G. was not working (which was never!), his favorite past times were shopping (he was well known within the community for being a man of style and distinction), cooking JAW DROPPING 4-course meals FROM SCRATCH for his large family, hunting, farming and watching Western movies (ALL OF THEM were his favorite:). L.G. was also a huge animal lover, showing a particular fondness for horses. He participated in numerous rodeo and was a member of the MOKAN Wrangler's Rodeo Association. Whether it was hosting parties or large holiday gatherings, L.G. was happiest in the presence of family and friends & treasured those close relationships in his life.

In his 82 short years of life, L.G. managed to live every day to the fullest and on his own terms. As a Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle and Friend, he didn't just leave an admirable legacy to carry on; he also imparted a very distinct road map for guidance on how to excel in life as a man, provider and caregiver. L.G. will be fondly remembered for the man that we all knew him to be. While he may be absent in body, he will NEVER be forgotten in spirit! L.G. is a man that left love in his footprints.

Being a tireless worker in a house of sleepers, L.G.'s famous retort to his children was "you can sleep when you die!!" So, sleep well, L.G. - your life was a gift to those who know and love you.

L.G. was preceded in death by his parents, James and Sadie Mae Wills; his beloved wife, Rosa Lee Wills; his sister, Mary Louise Campbell; his brother, Robert Eugene Wills; and his son-in-law, Gary Walker.

Left to mourn L.G.'s passing are his children, Barbara Lee and her husband Michael, Lawrence Wills, Rosalind Wills, Tangera Walker, Marcus Wills and his wife Paula, Kevin Wills and his wife Lisa, and Traci Wills; twenty-four grandchildren, a host of great-grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends.

Condolences for L.G. may be left at www.chapelhill-butler.com, as arrangements are under the direction of Chapel Hill – Butler Funeral Home, 701 N. 94th St., Kansas City, KS 66112; 913-334-33266.