Funeral services for Robert Roy “Bob” Willis, 86, who died November 17, 2014 at his son’s home in Riverton, Wyoming will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, November 24th at the First United Methodist Church in Sidney, Nebraska with Rev Tom Hyde officiating. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery. A visitation will be held 9:30 a.m. until service time Monday at the church. Memorial contributions to the Elks National Foundation would be appreciated in care of Holechek Funeral Home 1212 10th Ave., Sidney, NE 69162.
Bob was born in Hay Springs, Nebraska, on March 7, 1928 son of LaForest E. and Nellie R. (Gibbs) Willis. He graduated high school in Hay Springs before serving in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict.
On September 1, 1951 he married Eva Dean “Willie” Cox in Texarkana, Arkansas. The couple lived in Sidney, NE from 1954 until 2008, when Bob moved to Riverton until his passing.
Mr. Willis worked at Sidney Power Plant as an operator, eventually becoming superintendent until his retirement.
He enjoyed music, dancing, hunting, fishing, reading and farming, eating ice cream and desserts. In addition he also enjoyed playing cards and spending time with his family, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Mr. Willis was a member of B.P.O. Elks and the American Legion.
Survivors include his son, Bob (Phillis) Willis of Riverton, WY and Mark (Jane) Willis of Waxahachie, TX; daughters, Sharon Steele of Broken Bow, OK and Lila (Urrvano) Gamez of Sidney, NE; brother, George (Jan) Willis of Kerrville, TX; sisters, Katherine Vickerman of Pocatello, ID and Carol (Gary) Speer of Randolph, NE; grandchildren, Heather Steele, Amanda (Lyman) Boman, Ashley (Terry) Hayes, Adria Willis, Urrvano (Katie) Gamez, Jeremy (Jess) Gamez, Brittnee York, Austa (Cody) Spearman; great grandchildren, Tyler Clark, Isla Boman, Pippa Boman, Kade Hoffer, Bella Gamez, Delia Gamez, Connor York, Auriella Bouldin, Landon Spearman, Lane Spearman, Sam Gamez and Sky Gamez.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Eva Dean, parents, sister, Della Clinton and brother, Guy Willis.
Bob was born in Hay Springs, Nebraska, on March 7, 1928 son of LaForest E. and Nellie R. (Gibbs) Willis. He graduated high school in Hay Springs before serving in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict.
On September 1, 1951 he married Eva Dean “Willie” Cox in Texarkana, Arkansas. The couple lived in Sidney, NE from 1954 until 2008, when Bob moved to Riverton until his passing.
Mr. Willis worked at Sidney Power Plant as an operator, eventually becoming superintendent until his retirement.
He enjoyed music, dancing, hunting, fishing, reading and farming, eating ice cream and desserts. In addition he also enjoyed playing cards and spending time with his family, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Mr. Willis was a member of B.P.O. Elks and the American Legion.
Survivors include his son, Bob (Phillis) Willis of Riverton, WY and Mark (Jane) Willis of Waxahachie, TX; daughters, Sharon Steele of Broken Bow, OK and Lila (Urrvano) Gamez of Sidney, NE; brother, George (Jan) Willis of Kerrville, TX; sisters, Katherine Vickerman of Pocatello, ID and Carol (Gary) Speer of Randolph, NE; grandchildren, Heather Steele, Amanda (Lyman) Boman, Ashley (Terry) Hayes, Adria Willis, Urrvano (Katie) Gamez, Jeremy (Jess) Gamez, Brittnee York, Austa (Cody) Spearman; great grandchildren, Tyler Clark, Isla Boman, Pippa Boman, Kade Hoffer, Bella Gamez, Delia Gamez, Connor York, Auriella Bouldin, Landon Spearman, Lane Spearman, Sam Gamez and Sky Gamez.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Eva Dean, parents, sister, Della Clinton and brother, Guy Willis.