Marion Gordon Willis' Obituary
Marion Gordon Willis, age 90, of Chanute, KS went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, August 22, 2018, at NMRMC in Chanute. Marion was born on May 8, 1928 in Chanute, KS the son of Gordon J. Willis and Ruth (Woods) Willis.
Marion was a life-long resident of Chanute, graduating from Chanute High School in 1947. Prior to his induction into the army, he attended Southern Baptist Institute at Waxahatchi, Texas and worked with his father’s oilfield company as a driller and rig supervisor. “Raised” in the oil-patch, he spent his youth acquiring knowledge. By the age of 12 he supervised the operation of a cable tool drilling rig when not in school. Music was one of his passions, by the time he was in the eighth grade he sat in the second seat of the Neosho County Band. Marion and his twin sister Martha preformed at several Christian Revivals that were held at the Chanute Memorial Building.
Marion was joined in marriage to Reta Fern Rector on November 5, 1951, in Arkansas.
In the Army he served with the 110th Infantry, 28th Division stationed in Ulm Germany. He was a member of the Army band as a baritone player and Bugler. He received an invitation to become a member of the Presidential Army band in Washington D.C. He decided to return to Chanute and worked with his family’s oil business developing the oil and gas fields of Southeast Kansas until 1971.
In 1973, he and Reta started Faith Well Service and operated it for 36 years. Through the business he took every opportunity to share his faith and belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior with others. Marion and Reta attended First Baptist Church in Chanute.
Marion was always involved in his church. He would teach Sunday school classes, played his baritone, served as a Deacon and helped others in need. He always loved hosting missionaries and helping support many through the years. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Being part of their lives held special meaning. After retirement, a favorite pastime was keeping his yard immaculate.
In addition to his wife, Reta, he was preceded in death by his parents: an infant daughter, Frances Ruth; two older brothers, Bob Willis and Bill Willis and an infant great granddaughter, Andressa Janelle. Survivors are children Rick Willis and wife Susan of Chanute, David Willis and wife Donna of Chanute and Ed Willis and wife Tava of Chanute; daughter, Renee (Willis) Berthot and husband Kevin of Chanute; nine grandchildren, five great grandchildren: and three sisters, Evelyn Mayfield, Helen Layton and twin Martha Welch.
A visitation will be held on Friday, September 21, 2018 from 6-8 pm at Countryside Funeral Home Johnson Chapel at 101 N. Highland in Chanute. Graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 22, 2018 at 10 am at the Memorial Park Cemetery in Chanute. The Chanute Honor Guard will be in charge of military honors. Online condolences may be left at: www.countrysidefh.com. Families request memorials to FireEscape Coffeehouse in Chanute and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Services have been entrusted to: Countryside Funeral Home 101 N. Highland, Chanute, KS 66720.
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