Frances Brewer, 92, passed away Thursday, March 21, 2019 in Graham. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Monday, March 25 in the Eastside Church of Christ. Burial followed in Pioneer Cemetery under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.

Frances was born April 15, 1926 in Comanche County to the late George M. and Fannie (Grey) Scott. She married W.L. “Shorty” Brewer April 4, 1944 in DeLeon and he preceded her in death Jan. 30, 2001.

Frances was a member at Eastside Church of Christ for nearly 60 years. She was a very devout, dedicated and faithful servant to her church. She was a member of the Ladies Bible Study Class for many years. She helped many years planning and serving meals at the church.  She never missed a Friday to fold bulletins for the coming Sunday.

Frances was a seamstress for the public and had many faithful clients. She also worked at the Food Pantry for 15 years plus. Again, she was very faithful and dedicated in her service there.

Most of all she was a homemaker, but, most of all a good mom and a great grandma.

Survivors include: daughter, Vicki Wheeler and husband, Robert of Mineral Wells; son, Phil Brewer and wife, Karen of Graham; sister-in-law, Jewell Kimmell of DeLeon; grandchildren, Misty Clark, Todd Brewer, Stacy Reaves, and Jay Brewer; six great grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Eastside Church of Christ Building Fund or a charity of your choice.

Julie Lynn Snow, 59, passed away Thursday, March 21, 2019 in Plano. Funeral was held at 2 p.m. Monday, March 25 in the Morrison Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed in True Cemetery in Young County. Arrangements are under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.

Julie was born Dec. 5, 1959 in Graham. She married Danny Snow, Feb. 14, 1981 in Graham. Julie was a resident of Wichita Falls and the former manager of Archer City Country Club.

Survivors include; husband, Danny Snow of Wichita Falls; daughters, Amber Poirot and husband Kyle of Wichita Falls, Sadie Snow and Sarah Snow both of Wichita Falls; son, Ethan Snow and wife Adela of Burkburnett; parents, David and Wanda Ward of Graham; sister, Carla Herndon and husband Curtis of Graham; brother, Rob Ward and wife Jamie of Olney; mother-in-law, Sylvia Long of Graham; sister-in-law, Sheree Ferris of Loving; eight grandchildren and one due in July; several nieces and nephews also survive.

John J. Salazar passed away March 21, 2019 in Olney, Texas. A funeral service was held at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 24 at McMillan-Satterwhite Funeral Home. Interment followed at the Newcastle Cemetery.

Mr. Salazar was born Jan. 9, 1939 in Roscoe, and had lived in Lubbock, Breckenridge and Olney. He was a retired welder.

Survivors include three daughters, Alice Winder, Sylvia Provence and Norma Salazar; four sons, John Salazar, Jr., Jimmy Salazar, Andres Salazar and Victor D. Salazar; 19 grandchildren and several great grandchildren. Mr. Salazar was preceded in death by a daughter, Eloisa Sanchez, a brother, Victor Salazar, other brothers and sisters and his parents, Rufus R. Salazar and Aurora Ochoa Salazar.

Lana Parks Finley left this world on March 17, 2019 as gracefully as she lived in it.

Born in Graham on Sept. 25, 1951, to Jim Hal and Betty Lou Parks, Lana moved with her family to Eastland in 1960, where she excelled in academics and sports throughout her school days. After graduation from Eastland High School, she married her forever love, Terry Finley and, in 1972, they welcomed the joy of their lives, daughter Kimberly Ann.

Even as a young wife and mother, Lana pursued her education and earned a bachelor’s degree in education from East Texas State University, which launched her seventeen-year career as a teacher making a difference in young peoples’ lives.

Terry‘s job took them to Mount Pleasant, Plano, Palestine, Spring and finally Bentwater in Montgomery, where they settled to enjoy retirement. Together they enjoyed family visits, travel and golf. Both completed the New York Marathon in 1994.

The centers of Lana’s universe were her husband Terry, daughter Kimberly Barnfield (Matthew), and her precious granddaughters, Julia and Madeline Barnfield, for whom she granted as many wishes as she possibly could. 

Lana Finley was a loyal and steadfast friend, a dedicated teacher and a beautiful soul.  Those fortunate enough to come into her light will remember her in their hearts forever. Graveside services scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, March 30 in the Eastland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Lana’s family requests memorial donations be made to the Glioblastoma Foundation (glioblastomafoundation.org).

Patricia Sue (Patti) Disheroon, 83, passed away on March 27, 2019, at The Gables at Rolling Meadows with her loving husband John at her side.

Patti was born on Oct. 4, 1935 to Grady and Marie Cantrell, and spent her lifetime in the Wichita Falls area. She was a devoted homemaker who dedicated her time to her children, and she often helped at the family business, People’s Electric, in Wichita Falls. She called herself a Catholic Baptist, and held firmly to spiritual teachings of both. She was a long time member of Oak Street Baptist Church in Graham. She enjoyed singing, and is described as a selfless individual, always placing the needs of others before her own. She was a committed daughter and cared for her parents in their later years. She was an avid reader and loved to color in her coloring books. One of her most enjoyable activities was to sit in front of the big fireplace next to John, coloring book in her lap, big jar of colored pencils and the ever-present sharpener by her side, and just create beautiful things. She loved to cook in her earlier years and had her own cooking show on local TV. She enjoyed many pastimes, but her passion for the Rocky Mountains was near the top of that list. She found peace and solace in the beauty of the mountains and made precious memories vacationing with her family and friends, playing cards, going on ATV rides, taking painting classes, and just enjoying all the beauty the Creede area had to offer.

Patti married her high school sweetheart, John R. Disheroon, twenty-nine years ago in Red River, New Mexico. They found each other again after John’s career as a USAF pilot and were not only husband and wife but best friends forever.

Preceding Patti in death are her parents, three sons, Thomas J. Whelan III, Grady P. Whelan and Michael F. Whelan, and infant daughter Susan Marie Whelan.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband John, stepson David Disheroon, stepdaughter Cara Disheroon, daughter-in-law Jennifer Whelan, grandson Trevor Whelan and cousin Ladonna Davis.

Funeral service to celebrate Patti’s life will be held on Thursday, April 4, at 1 p.m. at Hampton Vaughan Crestview Funeral Home, with visitation prior to the service from 12 p.m. until 1 p.m. Burial will follow at Hampton Vaughan Crestview Memorial Park.

Online condolences may be left at www.hamptonvaughancrestview.com.

Pat Crews, 82, of Graham, passed away on Sunday, March 31, 2019 in Fort Worth.

Memorial Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday April 6, 2019 at Morrison Funeral Home Chapel in Graham.

Pat was born Aug. 16, 1936 in Karnes City to the late Stephen Edgar and Nona (Seale) Crews. Pat was a graduate of the Karnes City High School class of 1954. He was proud of his south Texas roots, and stayed up to date with his classmates, even 65 years later.

Pat was also a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, and earned a business degree from Baylor University in 1957.  

A true entrepreneur, and a man of many trades, Pat held several jobs over the course of his life. He worked for Mobil Oil Company and received promotions that took his family to Los Angeles, but, being the family man he was, he gave up a lucrative career to move back to Texas to raise his family. He went on to own Western Automotive in Graham and eventually retired after a 10-year career from North Texas State Hospital. In his free time, Pat was an accomplished athlete, coach and member of his church group, the Circuit Riders.

Pat was a beloved uncle, a best buddy and everyone’s favorite guy. His family has been touched at the stories they’ve been told since his passing at how much he impacted other’s lives using words to describe him such as inspiring, humble, sweet and gentle. Pat took a genuine interest in everyone he met- in fact, some even called him the original Facebook because of his ability to recall everything that’s going on with the ones he loves and his genuine interest in their lives.

Pat was preceded in death by sisters, Frances Hanson and Carolyn Crews and brothers, Stephen E. Crews, III, Jack Crews, Calloway Crews and David Crews.

Pat was survived by daughters, Debbie Andrews and her husband Dwayne of Granbury; daughter, Cindy Crews of Wichita Falls; son, Brad Crews and his wife Tyree of Middleburg, Fla.; grandchildren Matthew Hawkins, Maddison Anthis and husband Jake, Micah Baird, Wyatt Andrews, Emma Andrews, Aidan Andrews, Crews Laing and wife Abbey, Cadyn Laing, Cameron Moore and wife Raychel, Payton Crews, Paige Crews, Paxton Crews and Parker Crews; great grandchildren Abram Anthis, Collin Laing, and Crews Moore; sisters Nona Nell Kendrick of Boerne and Doris Puryear and husband Glen of Dumas; and many loving nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Library of Graham benefiting The Friends of Library 940-549-0600, in Pat’s honor.

The family of Pat wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Tanya Gillen and the staff of Senior Care in Wichita Falls.

Leroy Tate passed from this life on April 12, 2019 at the age of 87. Leroy was born in Maud, Okla. in 1931, but moved to Odessa where he graduated from Odessa High School in 1950. He obtained an Associate of Arts degree from Odessa College in 1952. He worked in the oilfield supply business for 43 years with the same company before retiring.

Leroy was a devoted friend with a great sense of humor. He was a hard worker with a determination to accomplish his task and goals. He was honest, truthful and good to his word. He was a dearly loved father. His absence from this life will leave an unfillable void.

We look forward to a heavenly reunion with him. His precious prayers to our heavenly father will be missed.

Leroy is preceded in death by his parents and brothers. He is survived by his only child, Thomas (Tommy) Tate and his wife Claudia of Graham; one granddaughter, Jennifer LeBrae of Black Mountain, N.C.; great-granddaughters, Kloe LeBrae and Evvan Smith. He is also survived by three nephews, Marcus Tate, Garland Tate and Chris Tate.

A gravesite service will be held Saturday, April 6 at 4 p.m. Visitation was Friday, April 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. Both are at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Odessa.

Richard Owen Clay, of Mineral Wells went home to be with the lord on April 7, 2019. Memorial services will be held April 10 at 2 p.m. at Mineral Wells Church of God with the bishop Jerrel Tomlin officiating. Memorial donations and/or flowers may be sent to Mineral Wells Church of God at 2501 SE 14th Ave., Mineral Wells TX 76067 in c/o Elaine Clay.

Richard was born in Duncan, Okla. on Oct. 21,1952 to George M. Clay and Lila Faye (Henry) Clay. He was married to and survived by Elaine Clay on Dec. 11, 2009 and they reside in Mineral Wells. They are members of the Mineral Wells Church of God. Although they did not have children together, they do share many children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Richard is also survived by four of his siblings and is preceded in death by both parents as well as one sister, Nita Brandon, and one son, Michael Clay.

The entire family of Richard Clay wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the wonderful staff of Baylor University Medical Center, as well as everyone that has helped in any way with his care.

Melvin Rex Epperson, 76, passed away Thursday, April 4, 2019 in Fort Worth. Funeral services were held Sunday, April 7 at 2 p.m. in Morrison Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed at Mountain Home Cemetery in Jack County under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.

Melvin was born July 10, 1942 in Jacksboro to the late John Hershel and Alva Louise (Syrus) Epperson. He married Bessie Mae Riley on May 11, 1962 in Olney. Melvin was a truck driver and a member of Morningside Baptist Church.

Survivors include: wife, Bessie Epperson of Graham; daughter, Pamela Smith and husband, Bruce of Graham; sons, Kenny Epperson and wife, Doris of Vernon and Keith Epperson and wife, Melinda of Decatur; sisters, Shirley Kramer of Emporia, Kan. and Joan Lassetar of Iowa Park; brother, Kenneth Epperson of Gordon; grandchildren, Amy Suffield and husband, David, Dustin Epperson and wife, Phuong, Riley Smith, Ethan Smith, Ariel Epperson, Drew Epperson, and Isaac Epperson; great grandchildren, Emma, Abby, Daniel, and Sydney Suffield, Brayden, Devyn, and Kaylee Epperson; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by three brothers.

James Donald Robbins, Sr. was born Oct. 11, 1933 in Newcastle and passed away on Feb. 26, 2019 in Mineral Wells. His parents were Walter and Zilpha Robbins.

Gravesite services will be held 10 a.m. April 20 at Medlin Chapel Road Cemetery.

Survivors include sons James Donald Robbins Jr and Joe Dean Robbins, Sr and grandson Joe Dean Robbins Jr.; his brother Dewey Robbins; step daughter Ellen Nickols and husband Richard; grand-daughter JoEllen Nickols Betterton and husband Scott; five great grandchildren-Ryan, Hunter, Levi, Brynlie, and Tiffanee, and a host of “adopted grandchildren.”

He was preceded in death by three brothers and three sisters.

In lieu of flowers please make donation to Hudson Chapel, 212 Texas St., Graham, TX 76450-2730.

Shirley Dodson, 66, died Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth. Memorial graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, April 22, at the Newcastle Cemetery Gazebo, with Wayne Peters, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Lunn Funeral Home of Olney.

Shirley was born on April 22, 1952 in Tulsa, Okla. to the late Harold and Jewel Franklin. She attended Tulsa County Junior College and received a certificate in bookkeeping. She married Bob Dodson on Feb. 14, 1976 in Tulsa, Okla. Shirley loved cooking and was the owner of the Hole In The Wall in Newcastle. She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Betty Tharp, and two brothers, Larry Franklin and Michael Franklin.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Bob Dodson of Graham; two daughters, Tia Tozer of Newcastle and Kari PR. Dodson of Ft. Worth; one son and daughter-in-law, William and Keitha Monroe of Olney; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, along with nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the Young County Humane Society, 120 Craig Street, Graham, Texas 76450.

Condolences may be made to the family at www.lunnfuneralhome.com.

Burl Allen Rich, 81, was called to his heavenly home Friday, April 5, 2019 in Bonham.

Mr. Rich was born Sept. 1, 1937 in Graham, the son of Howard and Marie (Ridell) Rich. In high school, he was a star athlete. Burl was an All-State football player, second fastest hurdler in the state of Texas, and played All Star softball for Clark Equipment. He later served his country proudly in the U.S. Army and Marines. Burl served as the president of New Deal Booster Club in 1976, and coached Little League Baseball. Burl was also a great dad and granddad. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Rich leaves behind his family, sons, Tony Rich, Harold Rich, daughter, DeDe Alderman, stepsons, Chuck Stevens, Ronnie Stevens, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, and wife, Mary Lou Rich, son, Burl Rich Jr. and stepson, Donnie Stevens.

Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 10, at Cedarlawn Memorial Park in Sherman.

Condolences may be registered online at http://www.fishserfh.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Fisher Funeral Home in Denison.

Artie E. Moss, 89, passed away Sunday, April 14, 2019 at her home in Graham. A Graveside funeral was held Tuesday, April 16, at 11:30 a.m. in Pioneer Cemetery under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.

Artie was born Nov. 9, 1929 to the late Leonard and Frances (Burge) Green in Stamford. She was a longtime resident of Graham and a member of the Church of God.

She married Samuel J. Moss, Oct. 27, 1956 in Lovington, N.M. He preceded her in death on April 10, 2005.

Survivors include; daughters, Sondra Hopkins of Graham, Belinda Moss of Graham, Rojonna McKee and husband Johnny of Graford, and Lytonya Barnett of Graham; sons, Ronnie Robertson and wife Debbie of Graham and Lewis Robertson of Dallas; sisters, Frankie Denhart of Florida and Lena Spivey of Alvarado; brother, Alton Green of South Carolina; 17 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild.

She was preceded in death by a sister, JoAnn Goodlett and brothers, Buddy Green, Don Green, Clifford Green and James Green.

Howard Wade Gomillion, Sr., 91, passed on April 14, 2019, the Christian patriarch of this great family took his last breath peacefully with his wife of 65 years, Anna and his daughter by his side. He was at home where he wished to be when he passed and was surrounded by his family throughout his short illness. Funeral services will be Wednesday, April 17, at 11 a.m. in Faith Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Buffalo Springs Cemetery in Clay County under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.

Howard was born June 9, 1927 in Sulpher Bluff to the late Ernest Wade and Ila Faye (Ward) Gomillion. He married Anna Mitchell Nov. 30, 1953 in Bowie and he was a faithful member of Faith Baptist Church. Howard retired from Times Record News as a paper man after 37 years. He made the best pecan pies and the prettiest jewelry out of rocks he collected. After all he was a renowned rock hound. His favorite past times include trips to Ruidoso to get away from the Texas heat and attending every event he could of his grandkids including sporting events, band concerts, award ceremonies and performances at church. He was their biggest fan. He was PawPaw to a slew of grandkids, great grandkids, and great great grandkids and was adored by them all. A friend to many and he will be remembered for his uncanny sense of humor. He will be greatly missed but he left us with so many memories that we will cherish for a lifetime. We find comfort and peace knowing that he is with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Survivors include: wife, Anna Gomillion of Graham; his favorite daughter, Laura Brown and husband, Charlie of Graham; son, Howard Wade Gomillion, Jr. and wife, Elaine of Rule; daughter-in-law, Cindy Gomillion of Weatherford; two special nephews, Gene Birdwell and wife, Renee of Wylie and Billy Williams and wife, Heather of Carlsbad, New Mexico; 12 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and 14 great great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by sons, Lacy Gomillion and Gary Gomillion.

Memorials may be made to Faith Baptist Church Missions.

Paul T. Smith, 71, passed away Friday, April 12, 2019 in Wichita Falls. Graveside services will be Wednesday, April 17, at 4 p.m. in Pioneer Cemetery under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.

Paul was born Feb. 7, 1948 in Milford, Del. to the late Oliver Thomas and Margaret Evelyn (Donovan) Smith. He was a licensed hairstylist. 

Survivors include: brothers, Jimmy Smith of Gardner, Massachusetts, Michael Smith of Graham and Stephen Smith of Graham and several nieces and nephews.

William “Bill” McClendon, 71, passed away at his home Thursday, April 18, 2019.  Visitation will be Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home. Funeral will be Monday, April 22, at 11 a.m. in the Morrison Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Pioneer Cemetery under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.

Bill was born Oct. 15, 1947 in Ardmore, Okla. to the late William Murel McClendon, Sr. and Rosa Blanche Cooley McClendon. Bill married Debbie Hall, June 1, 1984 in Graham. He was a longtime resident of Graham a former deputy Sheriff and a former Correctional Officer.

Survivors include; wife, Debbie McClendon of Graham; sons, William McClendon and wife Kaci of Olney; Cody McClendon and wife Ashley of Burkurnett; daughters, J.J. McClendon and Gary Rowe of Graham and Tara Campbell of Wichita Falls; eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren; sister, Rosanne Thetford and husband Mike of Graham; nieces, Stacey Holcomb and Melissa Newman.

Bill was preceded in death by a nephew, Bradley Thetford.

Peggy Wynell Odom Ingram, 84, passed away Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at her home in Graham. Funeral will be Saturday, April 20, at 2 p.m. in the Morrison Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Pioneer Cemetery under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.

Peggy was born Jan. 11, 1935 in Woodson to the late Lucky Will and Dora May (Haller) Odom. She married Robert Ingram Feb. 21, 1953 in Graham. Peggy was Homemaker and a Baptist. She began her career in nursing at the old Graham hospital on Cherry Street. She worked at Graham General Hospital at the current location for many years. She loved treating the children and the elderly. Peggy was a nurse for Dr. Jimmie Jackson for 10 years. After retiring in 1980, she worked side by side with Bob in their oilfield business and then later working on the farm. She loved her grandkids and always took care of Bob.

Survivors include; husband, Robert “Bob” Ingram of Graham; daughter, Bobette Bone and husband Mike of Sulphur, La.; son, Lucky Ingram and wife Vonne of Graham; sister, Ann Boyles of Mineral Wells; brother, Donny Odom of Seymour; four grandchildren, Melody Ingram of Graham, Amber Nordstrom and husband Will of Sulphur, La., Harmony Chestnut and husband J.B. of Graham, and Mitch Bone of Charleston, S.C.; great grandchildren, Bentley Nordstrom of Sulphur, La. and Duke Chestnut of Graham; several nieces and nephews also survive.

Peggy was preceded in death by son, Ricky Ingram, sister, Bunny Odom, brothers, Terry and Benny Odom.

Visitation was Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home.

Stacy Bacon Finger, age 48 of Portland, Ore., passed away Oct. 30, 2018. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 27 at Morehart Mortuary Chapel with Rev. Werth Mayes officiating. Following the memorial service, visitation will be held at The Bouquet, 119 E. Walker St., Breckenridge, TX 76424.

Stacy Erin Bacon was born Dec. 19, 1969 in Breckenridge, to Joe Ted Bacon and Jenice Mehaffey Bacon. Stacy attended grade school in Breckenridge, graduated from Graham High School in 1988. She was a 1991 graduate of Midwestern State University where she obtained a degree in accounting and business administration. She married Thomas Eugene Finger on Sept. 23, 1995 in Collins County. Thomas sadly passed away in December 2018 shortly after Stacy. She was preceded in death by her father, Joe Bacon.

Stacy is survived by her mother, Jenice Bacon of Eastland; two stepchildren, Thomas David Finger of Flagstaff, Ariz., Christina Finger Shipley of Portland, Ore.; one brother, Troy Bacon and wife Betty Bernal Bacon of Fort Worth; one grandchild, Jarek Thomas.

Memorials may be made to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, P.O. Box 199300, Dallas, TX 75219-9300 or may be left at Morehart Mortuary. Condolences may be made online at www.morehartmortuary.net.

Nora Lee Campbell, 87, passed away Saturday, April 20, 2019 in Eastland. Graveside service will be Thursday, April 25, at 1 p.m. in Pioneer Cemetery under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.

Nora was born May 25, 1931 in Bunger to the late John David and Myrtle Irene (Mahan) Nicklas. She married James Robert Campbell May 28, 1955 in Graham and he preceded her in death April 23, 2005. Nora was the North Texas Tuberculosis Association Bookkeeper for many years and a member of the Methodist Church.

Survivors include: son, Dr. Robert Campbell and wife, Marsha of Aledo and his first wife, Doris Campbell of Fort Worth; grandchildren, Clay Campbell of Fort Worth and Shannon Campbell of Fort Worth; great granddaughter Kailee of Willow Park; cousin, Mary Clayton and her daughter Linda of Kansas.

She was preceded in death by sister, Martha Rene Nicklas.

Virgil Ward “Butch” Willis, 82, a lifelong resident of Graham went home to his Lord and Savior surrounded by those he loved and who loved him on Thursday, April 25, 2019. A celebration of Butch’s well-loved life was held on Saturday, April 27, at 11 a.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Graham with burial following at Pioneer Cemetery. No one loved a good memory or story more than Butch. The visitation was held on Friday, April 26 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home.

Butch Willis was born July 6, 1936 at his grandparent’s home on the Rocky Mound Road in Graham to Wayne and Mildred Ward Willis. He graduated from Graham High School, spent time working in the oilfield and then enlisted in the U. S. Army. After his military service, he attended Texas Tech University later graduating from North Texas State University. In June of 1964, Butch met Carol Mayo and they were married in Graham on Dec. 26, 1964. They were blessed with two children - Linda Gail and Randy and then later he became “Dude” to five grandchildren who adored him. Dude always found a way to make you feel loved from the twinkle in his eye to the soft spot in his heart. He was proud dad and grandfather who always made life an adventure from riding a go-kart to feeding cattle to checking leases to playing sports. It didn’t matter what you did with Dude, it was always fun and you never went hungry.

In his early years, Butch loved horses, roping, cars, tinkering and about any escapade he could find. He worked in the oil patch, learning the business from the ground up before he went to the army. After college graduation, Butch made his way to General Dynamics as an engineering writer for the F1-11 fighter bomber technical manuals. Butch felt the pull to return home and some of his best memories were spent with his dad as well as his wife and children raising cattle, horses, pigs, sheep and even a few goats through the years. He often said “sheep before the shepherd” to his children to always emphasize the importance of taking care of others before yourself, even animals. It didn’t matter to Butch your social station or economic status, he treated every person with respect and was generous to a fault. He returned home to work in the oil and gas industry as the owner of Willis Operating Company and continued his farming and ranching with W & W Cattle Company.

Butch was a member of First Baptist Church of Graham. He spent many years working and helping with the Young County Livestock Association as well as 4-H and FFA. He loved what his kids and grandkids loved and spent many hours at sporting events, stock shows, band, choir and many more. Dude loved golf, being outside and finding the adventures in everyday life. Butch had a passion for learning and there wasn’t much he couldn’t fix. He had a calmness and demeanor that just let you know that things would be okay. He loved being outside and doing things with his family. Butch was a collector of “junk”, gadgets, equipment, animals and people. He had a wonderful sense of humor and gift for storytelling that started with a twinkle in his eye and contagious laugh. “Dude” loved people and he never met a stranger. He left some very big boots to fill and his legacy will live on through his adoring family.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carol; his daughter, Linda Gail Walker and husband Kevin of Plainview; Randy Willis and wife Shelby of Poolville; sister, Wanda Ward and husband David of Graham; brother, Gene Willis and wife Betty Gale of Ravenna; Grandchildren-Brock Willis Walker and Brant Michael Walker of Lubbock; Rylee, Roree and Rance Willis of Poolville as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Also the family would like to thank Dianne Amburn, Andy Salazar, Reshell Garcia, Beverly Bormuthas well as all of the staff at Graham Regional Hospice.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Mildred Willis and a sister, Kay Willis Copeland.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Benevolence Fund, 620 Fourth Street, Graham, Texas 76450.