There will never be another Shorty.
Warren Edgar Willis, 94, born January 23, 1921 in rural Pattonsburg, Missouri, passed away peacefully in the company of his family on Thursday August 6th at the Northwest Medical Center in Albany, Missouri.
Warren was the youngest of five brothers and three sisters, and as such grew fond of fried chicken necks as it was the last piece left on the platter. All his siblings Walter Willis, Wiley Willis, Gordon Willis, Harley Willis, Burl Willis, Crystal Willis Burt, Leola Willis Trimble, and Della Willis Shaw predeceased him. He is also predeceased by his parents John D. Willis and Eliza Sweat Willis.
Warren was a self-described “little potato, but hard to peel”. He served as a cook in the United States Army 61st Ordinance Ammunition Company, and peeled plenty of potatoes himself. Service to his county took him to Latte Island in the Pacific then to Hiroshima, Nagasaki and Tokyo. He was honorably discharged at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, on July 7, 1946, as a technician fourth grade. He received a Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with Bronze Arrowhead, and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star.
In November 1948 he married Lois Clifton Bozarth at the Baptist minister’s home in Pattonsburg, Missouri. To this union in 1954 Robin Lorraine Willis was born, and she survives Warren at Albany, Missouri. Lois preceded Warren in death in 1956. In December 1967 he married Nellie Lea Boner Marsh, and she survives Warren at their home in Albany.
Three step-sons that he treated as his own also survive him: Larry Edward (Linda) Marsh and Danny Lee (Mindy) Marsh both of Albany, and David Allan (Tammy) Marsh of Surprise, Arizona. Warren’s grandson, Anthony Ray Willis of San Diego, California was, and is, his brightest star. Warren was proud of all of Tony’s accomplishments in his military and civilian life, and beamed when he spoke of him. Also surviving is Harold (Marilyn) Willis of St. Joseph, Missouri, a nephew that was especially close to Warren. 8 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 29 nieces and nephews, also survive.
Except for a two year period in 1950-1952 when he worked at the General Motors Fairfax plant, he spent his working life, mostly as manager, in the Pattonsburg, Stanberry, and Grant City cap factories. Obviously he was a man of many hats.
Warren loved gardening, and would probably be proud to be called the Robin Hood of everyone else’s produce raised in excess. It would thrill him to deliver vegetables to his family and friends, especially roasting ears and tomatoes.
Warren also loved the simple farm life, and especially horses. It would likely please him, to be called a “Horse Trader” of all things. He enjoyed observing the humble life of the Amish, and expressed on many occasions that he wished to go back to that way of life. The Great Depression left a substantial mark on his life, instilling within him a grittiness that lasted through his last breath.
Funeral Service: 11:00 AM Monday, August 10 at the Liberty Baptist Church, McFall, with burial in the Oak Ridge Cemetery, Pattonsburg. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church, where friends may call anytime after 9:00 AM Monday. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to the Northwest Medical Center Foundation, Inc. in Warren’s honor for his beloved nursing staff, or the Oak Ridge Cemetery, in care of the Roberson-Polley Chapel, 403 N. Hundley, Albany, MO 64402. Online condolences: www.robersonpolleychapel.com
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