Willard Will E Carper

Will was born to Harold and Vreela Carper, Oct. 23, 1932, in Seward, NE. He graduated from Lebanon Union High School, Lebanon, OR in 1950, and entered the Air Force in 1952, learning aircraft repair in Amarillo, TX. This specialty took him to Okinawa during the Korean War.

He married Betty Nelson in 1956. They lived together in Westchester, CA while Will attended Northrop University of Technology. He received a BS in Engineering in 1960, and landed a job as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer for McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis where he worked until retiring in 1990. While at McDonnell Douglas, Will was an officer in the McDonnell Douglas Model Airplane Club, and played in softball, golf and bowling leagues.

Will and Betty traveled around the country, first by themselves, then with two children, and then with grandchildren. They enjoyed hiking, fishing and seeing the sights – staying in tents, pop-ups, trailers and eventually motorhomes. Their travels included cruising and visiting other continents. They found a family of friends in Pueblo El Mirage, and in 1997, decided that that is the place they should winter. Will loved being with his friends, whether it was with the bike club, computer club, lawn bowling, playing water volleyball, gleaning, dancing or just relaxing.

Preceded in death by his daughter, Linda Hankins, in 2001. Survived by his wife Betty; son, Bruce and wife Melody of Wildwood, MO; son-in-law Ben Hankins of Waldorf, MD; four grandchildren Jaclyn, Lindsey, Kirsten and Erik; and one great-grandchild, Camden.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting fond memories.

A memorial service was held at Pueblo El Mirage RV and Golf Resort on January 21st.

A private internment ceremony will be held at Sunland Memorial Park.