CARL E. WILLARD

WILLARD

Carl E. Willard, 78, former resident of Fort Scott, Kan., died Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2011, at the Harmony Gardens Home in Warrensburg, Mo.

He was born March 16, 1933, in Mapleton, Kan., the son of Clyde Marion Willard and Mildred Harris Willard.

He graduated from Bronson High School where he excelled in football, basketball and track. He later attended junior college at Independence, Kan., prior to being drafted into the Army.

Following his military service, he married Mary Helen Scott. She preceded him in death on Dec. 2, 1962. He later married Imogene Fewell. She also preceded him in death.

While in Fort Scott, Carl was employed by the Red Barn Restaurant and also the Western Insurance Company. He later worked for many years for the Gold Foundry in Clinton, Mo.

He loved cars and always kept his in excellent condition. He also enjoyed playing pool, cards and dominos.

Survivors include three sons; Craig Young, Kansas City, Kan., Vincent Willard, Joplin, Mo., and Darvin Willard, Iola, Kan.; two daughters, Shelba Williams, Knob Noster, Mo., and Gloria Mitchell, Port Arthur, Texas.

Also surviving are three sisters, Minnie Wrenn, Mary Etta Willard and Edith Hawkins, all of Fort Scott; 20 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.

In addition to his wives, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Robert, Melvin and James Willard and a daughter, Peggy Campbell, who passed away Sept. 3, 2011.

Frank Williams will conduct funeral services at 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, in the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U.S. National Cemetery, with military honors conducted by the Olson Frary Burkhart Post No. 1165 V.F.W.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main.

Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at www.cheneywitt.com.