Richard Lee Willis, Jr

Richard Lee Willis, Jr.


Richard Lee Willis, Jr. of St. Louis passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2009 at his home.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri on November 8, 1920 he was the son of Richard Lee and Viola Mae (Dyer) Willis, Sr. He married Emma Mathilde Heim on July 27, 1955 in St. Louis.
Mr. Willis was a retired Master Sergeant and computer programmer with the United States Army having served in troop transport and air readiness command. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, a member of the Free Masons Blue Lodge where he has served as District Deputy Grand Master and was a past Master.
Preceding him in death were his parents, one brother, Myron (Berniece) Willis and one sister, Fay (Howard) Martin.

Left to mourn his passing are his wife, Emma Willis; his children, Sandra (Donald) Crandall of OFallon, Missouri, Corrine (John) Wagner of Beaufort, Missouri, Richard L. (Sandy) Willis III of Warrenton, Missouri, John (Sue) Willis of Springfield, Massachusetts, Terry (Michael Wreath) Willis of OFallon, Missouri and James (Dawn) Willis of St. Louis, Missouri; 16 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great-grandchildren; an aunt, Edna Stafford, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Friends may call on Sunday, January 25, 2009 from 3:00 P. M. to 8:00 P.M. at Southern Funeral Home. Masonic services will be held at 7:30 P.M. at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the Diabetes Foundation and will be received at the funeral home.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 26, 2009 at 10:00 A.M. at the funeral home with Bishop Dan King officiating. Interment will follow in Old Alexandria Cemetery, Troy, Missouri with full military honors accorded at the graveside.