Ralph “Wayne” Willis, 76, passed away December 5, 2016, at Mercy Hospital in Carthage. Wayne was born on June 26, 1940, in Fordland, Missouri, to William Iley Willis and Nancy (Patrick) Willis. Wayne was a lifetime resident of the Carthage area and worked as a diesel mechanic for Motor Rentals and Ryder for more than 25 years. He was a First Degree Mason. Wayne loved cars, fishing, small engine repair, wheeling-’n-dealing, but most of all he loved to spend time with his family, extended family and friends. He was a wonderful father and grandpa; he will be dearly missed.
Wayne was united in marriage to Joanne Basferd on March 1, 1986, in Carthage, Missouri; she survives.
Wayne is survived by four sons: Gregg Vinson of Joplin; Jerry Willis and wife, Michelle, of Joplin; Larry Willis and wife, Annette; Doug Willis and wife, Karen; all of Carthage. He is also survived by two daughters: Lisa Thompson and husband, Teryel, of Carthage; and Lorie Downing and husband, Brett, of Joplin. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers: Harold Willis and wife, Janie, of Carthage; and Dale Willis and wife, Patty, of Wichita, Kansas. He is also survived by a very special brother-in-law Bud Bray, of Carthage.
Preceding Wayne in death are his parents and seven sisters: Opal, Florence, Dorothy, Betty, Juanita, Georgie and June.
Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 9, 2016, at Ulmer Funeral Home. Arrangements are under the direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.
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