Don Willis

Memorials to the Christian Church Youth Groups or to Circle of Life Hospice. Don was born April 7, 1923 in Iowa City, Iowa and was adopted by Glen and Opal Willis we he was 3 weeks old. He grew up in Chariton and graduated from Chariton High School in 1943. In December of 1943 he joined the Navy and served on the LST 612 I the Asiatic- Pacific Theater as a 3rd class Boatswain's mate in the amphibious fleet. He served through April of 1946, during this time his ship participated in several invasions: Leyte Island, Mindoro Islands, Lingayen, Luzon, and Okinawa. He married Helen Curtis on May 30, 1946. They were blessed with 3 sons: Jerry Don, Craig Timothy, and Todd Steven. They farmed in Lucas County all their married life. He started the Whitebreast Sodbuster 4-H Club and was their leader for over 15 years. Don was a member of the Chariton Christian Church since 1931 and a member of the American Legion Post 102 since 1959. Don and Helen raised draft and miniature horses for many years, and Don provided the draft horses that pulled Ol' Betsy. Don passed away Sunday, April 12, 2009. He was preceded in death by his wife Helen in 2008; two sons: Jerry and Craig; a baby gra...[more]

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aughter; his parents, Glen and Opal; and his father and mother-in-law Lemley and Zelma Curtis. He is survived by his son Todd (Lisa); daughter-in-law Gloria; seven grandchildren: Mark (Jacque), Luke (Sarah), Tara (Andy), Jacob, Scott (Marci), Chad (Michelle), Cameron, and Travis; and eight great-grandchildren: Abby, Maddie, Lizzie, Chase, Lauren, Olivia, Griffin, and Riley.