Henry "Hank" L. Wills

TWIN FALLS ----Hank Wills, 91, passed away peacefully at home April 14 in Twin Falls surrounded by his family.

Hank was born January 14, 1923, in Gregory South Dakota, to Ernest James (E.J.) Wills Sr. and Mrytle Zobel Wills .When born, Hank had 3 older brothers, which were followed by a younger sister and brother. The children lost their mother when Hank was 12. In 1937, the widowed E.J. took his 6 children – Lowell, Wes, Bob, Hank, Margaret and Ernie - and moved to Gooding, Idaho. E.J. had to financially start over after losing his South Dakota ranch due to the “dust bowl” years. In Gooding, E.J. met and married Opal Brummett and in 1943 Hank’s family was completed when his sister Mryna was born.

Hank graduated from Gooding High School in 1939 and attended Woodbury Business College in Los Angeles for 2 years. He then spent a semester at U of I, Southern Branch in Pocatello before joining the U. S. Air Force during World War ll. He served as a B-17 Bomber pilot with the 306th Bombardment Group, stationed in Thurleigh, England. Before taking command of his own B-17 Bomber, per procedure, he flew as a co-pilot before his first mission as a pilot. On that flight, they were shot down over France. Hank survived and made it back to England. Afterwards, as pilot, Hank and his crew flew 30 missions over Germany. Hank and his initial co-pilot, Ray Brandstrom of Stanwood Washington, became lifelong friends.

Hank’s brothers Wes and Bob also had joined the Air Force and were pilots during World War II. Wes was killed in China in 1943. Ernie was 10 years younger than Hank and joined the Air Force later, becoming a pilot and flight instructor. An article in People Magazine pointed out the fact they were the only four blood brothers who served as pilots and officers in the U.S. Air Force. Oldest brother Lowell also became a pilot and the four remaining brothers continued to fly private planes for business and pleasure for years to come. Back in the days of the great salmon runs on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, flying to the remote Pistol Creek landing strip and fishing "the hole" at Indian Creek was a favorite pastime.

After returning from the war, Hank, his brother Bob, and their father E.J. founded Wills Motor Co. in February of 1946 in Twin Falls, selling Nash automobiles. Lowell continued in Gooding, running Wills Sales Co. (hardware and implement sales) until moving to Twin Falls later. Ernie joined the Motor Company in 1960 after leaving the Air Force. Hank stayed active in the family dealership into his early 80’s.

On April 16th, 1949, he married Rose Alban of Gooding, Idaho. Together they had 2 sons and a daughter. Hank loved life and lived it well. He had a “Will Rogers” personality, “never having met a stranger.” Two words best describe Hank: Very Social. He was outgoing, smiling, and personable. Liking virtually everyone he came into contact with, seemingly in return, anyone meeting Hank - liked him back.

Hank had lots of friends, but his best friend in life was his next oldest brother – Bob. More important than their many business partnerships was their personal friendship. From the early days of water skiing at Redfish Lake and snow skiing at Sun Valley in the 50’s, to building the family “cabin” on Warm Springs in the late 60’s in Ketchum, to later golfing at Blue Lakes Country Club and taking annual Alaskan Salmon fishing trips with friends Don Jensen and Dick Cook, they did it together. With their wives Rose and Georgia, Hank and Bob loved to socialize with their broad group of couples friends. Dinners and dancing to the Arlen Bastian Trio at the Turf Club, along with dinners and dancing at Kay’s Supper Club were regular pastimes.

Having twice received the “Community’s Outstanding Citizen Award”, Hank was a tremendous supporter of Twin Falls. Some of his activities included being local president of the Jr. Chamber of Commerce followed by State President and National Director. He was a member of the Twin Falls Lions Club for over 20 years. Hank was the first President of the Civic Auditorium Association whose work culminated in the building of the Fine Arts Center at C.S.I. He was among the early members of the Dilettante Group of Magic Valley and was active for years, participating in many plays, and a past president of the group. Being a member of the Elks for well over 50 years, Hank was Exalted Ruler 1963-1964 and their organist for over 20 years.

Hank was truly respected as an automobile dealer. He always believed in doing right by his customers. He was past president of the Twin Falls and Idaho Automobile Dealer Association and State chairman of the American Import Auto Dealers Association. In 1971, Hank became the very first recipient of Idaho’s Time Magazine Quality Dealer of the Year.

Hank was an avid snow skier and skied until he was 84 at Sun Valley. The last several years he enjoyed skiing with his good friend and former instructor on Baldy - Karl Besnoska. During his last few years of skiing, one of Hank’s favorite ski days was his annual ski day with his two sons and eight grandkids. All involved have great and lifelong memories from those special days.

One of Hank’s greatest loves was playing the piano. Learning to play by ear, he started at a very young age and became quite an accomplished pianist. Hank thought it was very important his younger sister Margaret learn to play and talked his dad E.J. into paying for piano lessons for her. Hank became well known for his “songfests.” His friends (and strangers depending where the “venue” was) would gather around the piano. As Hank would play and sing, all would join in – singing the great old fun standards such as: “ Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue”….”Won’t you come Home Bill Bailey”…..”Chattanooga Choo Choo,” etc. What fun everyone had! (It was a different generation and world back then…..and how great it was!). He said more than once if he ever had a 2nd job it would be playing piano in a piano lounge. He had a passion for music and was a long time financial supporter of the Magic Valley Symphony.

Hank was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist church. He was president of the Men’s Association twice and sang tenor in the chancellor choir into his 80’s.

A very good friend of Hanks for years was Dick Irwin. We’d like to give Dick a special thank-you for staying a true friend to Hank in his later years by taking and keeping him included in the group’s weekly bridge games. The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to Tasha Broner, Hanks loving caretaker until the last few years. Thank you also to the staff from A Caring Hand, most recently Nina and Chrissy. We appreciate the competence and caring provided by the personnel from Hospice Visions also.

Hank is survived by his three children: sons Steve (Jeanette) and Greg (Sue); and daughter Kathy Fox, all of Twin Falls. Hank had eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Jamin (Leslie) Wills of Twin Falls and their children Payton, Mayson, and Abbey. Delena (Vincent) DiBlasi of Gulf Port Ms., Dr. Alex (Aya) Wills of Honolulu Hi. and their children Ashyia and Amelie. Jase Wills of Las Vegas Nv., and Hank Wills of Twin Falls. Jennifer (Adam) Ford of Fossil, Or., and their sons Addison and Arram. Ryan (Kate) Fox of Boise and their daughter Annabelle, and McKenzie Fox of Meridaian. Also surviving are his sisters Margaret (Roger) Vincent and Mryna (Mike) Barritua, and sister-in-laws Georgia and Lorraine Wills. He was preceded in death by his wife Rose, parents, E.J. and Myrtle; stepmother Opal; and brothers Lowell, Wesley, Bob, and Ernie.

A celebration of Hank’s life will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Twin Falls at 11:00 A.M. Tues April 22nd. Viewing for family and friends will be held from 10:15 to 10:45 before the service. Military honors will be provided by the Magic Valley Honor Guard and the Idaho National Guard. A lunch for all will be served immediately after the service in the social hall of the church. A private interment for family members will be held at Sunset Memorial Park in the early afternoon.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the 1st United Methodist Church Ministries, 360 Shoshone St. E., Twin Falls.

Services are under the direction of Trent Stimpson and staff at White Mortuary, Chapel by the Park, Twin Falls.

Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.whitemortuary.com.