Iri Dell (Pat) Willard, Jr. died December 28, 2015 at his Webb City home, where he was born February 21, 1922. Pat was preceded in death by his father, Iri Dell, Sr, and his mother, Mable (McMilian) Willard, a brother, Byron C. and sister-in-law, Bernice (Gladden) Willard and their son, Ralph Willard. Pat’s daughter, Elisa Willard died March 3, 2006. Pat was fond of his grandfather, William Willard, who marched to the sea with Sherman during the Civil War and for whom the city of Willard, Mo was named.
Survivors include his wife, Laura (Wolfe) Willard of the home, having celebrated nearly 70 years of marriage together; a daughter, Sherry and her husband, Kenny Thomas of Carthage; a son, Dr. Ray Dell Willard of Galena, KS; a niece, Phylis and her husband Harold Hoofnagle and family; a grandson, John Thomas; a granddaughter, Angela and her husband Gerry Pierson; six great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.
Starting in 1942, Pat apprenticed with his father in the design and fabrication of water drill rigs at Keystone Drilling at Joplin. He joined the Missouri State Highway Department in 1952, retiring in 1978. He served as Carterville Volunteer Fireman for over 35 years and as a deacon for over 40 years at the Community of Christ, Webb City.
A special thank you is extended to the staff of Hospice Campassus for their loving, professional care over the last 7 months.
A memorial service will be held at the Community of Christ, 2nd and Oronogo Streets, Webb City, MO on Saturday, January 9th, 2016 at 2:00 PM, Evangelist Bob Casino, presiding. Interment in the Oronogo Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City. Please visit www.simpsonfh.com for online condolences.
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