A Memorial service for Donald Willis, 81, of Zephyr, will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, June 7, in the Netherton Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Brian Hall officiating. In keeping with his wishes, his body was cremated under the direction of Netherton Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
Mr. Willis passed away on Friday, May 31, 2013, in San Angelo, Texas.
Donald Lloyd Willis was born on January 23, 1932, in Elizabeth Louisiana, to Joseph Willis and Martha Johnson Willis. He served his country in the United States Army from 1951 to 1953, deploying for 8 months to Germany and discharged from the 4th Army Infantry at the rank of Corporal.
He married Frances Harris in 1953, and together, they raised six children who loved and respected him greatly. Donald had worked for the Texas Brick Company in Brownwood for several years, before moving to Belton. He later retired from Santa Fe Railroad in the mid 90’s, and moved back to Brown County. One of “Pops” greatest joys was spending time with his children and grandchildren. He loved to fish, and looked forward to the family vacations at Padre Island and various lakes in Central Texas.Those left behind to cherish his memory are his children; Robert Willis of Florence KY, Jeff Willis and wife Yolunda of Maplewood, MN, Randy Willis of Belton, Michael Willis of Phoenix AZ, Daniel Willis and wife Shelly of San Antonio and Sharon Eakin and husband William of Troy; grandchildren, Pam Bystricky of New York, Chris Smith of Belton, Amanda Morris of Ft. Hood, and Taylor and Mallory Willis of Belton. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Robbie Bystricky, Kamryn Smith, Ashley Hall, Eric Morris, Jacob Morris and Kensi Willis and one brother, Raymond Willis of Oakdale LA.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Frances Willis; his parents, Joseph and Martha Willis; and several brothers and sisters.
Friends and family members are invited and encouraged to sign the online guestbook at www.nethertonfuneralhome.com.
