Dean Wesley Willis, 86, formerly of Shelley passed away April 29, 2016 at The Gables in Ammon.
He was born December 19, 1929 in Tempe, Arizona to Joseph Lamar and Nora Lee McCleery Willis.
He attended school in Mesa, Arizona along with his three brothers and four sisters.
He loved many sports and excelled playing football in high school.
He won two state championships and is honored in the Arizona Football Hall of Fame.
He served in the Navy from 1948 to 1950 and was a proud veteran of his country.
He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
He served a mission in North Carolina/Virginia from 1956 to 1958.
He served in the Elders Quorum Presidency, in two bishoprics, and as Stake Mission President as well as many other callings.
Dean married the love of his life, Eunice Killian Willis on December 7, 1962 in Woodville, Idaho.
They were sealed for time and all eternity on December 11, 1963 in the Salt Lake Temple.
They adopted and raised three beautiful children.
He worked building RV’s, making cabinets, and was an accomplished carpenter and woodsmith.
He worked as a US Letter Carrier and also was a custodian and landscaper for the LDS Church.
He loved horticulture, landscaping and gardening.
He and Eunice grew and sold flowers in their home in Shelley during their later years.
They enjoyed providing the Mother’s Day flowers for their ward for many years.
Dean was a kind soul, a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, and an amazing example to all.
He will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife, Eunice of Ammon, daughter, Melinda Willis Wagner of Ammon, son, Kiley Dean Willis of Salt Lake City, UT, daughter, Lorina Willis Novasio of Vancouver, WA, nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings; Curtis “Bud” La Mar Willis, Jack L. Willis, Lloyd Alonzo Willis, Lola “Louise” Whiting, Iola Hickson, Catherine Ada Willis, and Ora Lee Shields, and grandson, Wesley Allan Wagner.
The family would like to thank the Ammon 11
th
and 16
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Wards Relief Society for their compassionate service and a special thanks to Diane Poole.
Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, May 7, 2016 at the Ammon 11
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Ward Chapel (1100 S. Tiebreaker) in Ammon. The family will meet with friends Saturday morning from 10:00 till 10:45 A.M. at the church. Burial will be in the Fielding Memorial Cemetery with military rites by the David B. Bleak Post 93 assisted by the Idaho Honor Guard. Arrangements are under the direction of Nalder Funeral Home in Shelley.
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