Earl Willis

Earl David Willis, Jr., 76, of Iola, Kansas, died Tuesday, September 8, 2015, at Iola Nursing Center. Earl was born January 28, 1939, in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, the son of Earl David and Mary (Ballard) Willis, Sr. He grew up in Okmulgee. He served in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1961, then served in the U.S. Air Force from 1961 to 1964. Following his time in the service, he made his home in California for many years before returning to the Tulsa area. Earl moved to Iola a year ago to be near his daughters. Earl worked as a truck driver and enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson, fishing and collecting swords. Survivors include his 4 children, Earl David Willis of California, Barbara Elliott and Angela Johnson both of Iola, and Gary Willis of Wichita; 2 sisters, Debbie McBee & her husband, Ed who was a special brother-in-law and caregiver, of Okmulgee, and Betty Workman of California; 13 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Celeste Willis and sisters Flora Jean Ford and Golda Blair. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held in Okmulgee, Oklahoma at a later date. Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, assisted the family. You may sign the guestbook or leave a condolence on this website.