Willis K. Wilson

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LAWRENCE – Willis K. Wilson, born Jan. 1, 1926 in Somis, Calif. to Frank and Margaret Stevenson Wilson, passed away on Feb. 9, 2014 in his home in Lawrence, Utah. His wife of 70 years, Utahna Tess Allred, married Dec. 1, 1943 in Cleveland, Utah, was by his side, as always…
Willis entered the navy in Feb. 1944. He served aboard the USS Sarasota in the South Pacific as a gunner as well as the best cook on board.
His coal mining career consisted of 27 years with US Fuel Hiawatha Coal Mine, which included a world record on a continuous miner. Later, he continued in the mining industry with American Coal Co., but his passion was farming, ranching and livestock, both with beef cattle and later Holstein heifers. Despite his demanding schedule, he found time to serve his community on the Huntington Cleveland Water Board, North Emery Water Board, Emery County Planning & Zoning and the Farm Bureau Board.
He was an active member of the LDS church and served in both the Stake and Ward levels.
Despite a mere eighth grade education, his accomplishments were remarkable and astounding. He had too much to do, but he taught his kids to saddle their own horse and carry their own weight; he taught his grandkids to laugh out loud and be responsible for their own actions, and taught his whole family to face adversity with a good attitude. He was a mentor, an inspiration and had an impact on everyone he met.
He is survived by his wife Utahna, and his children: Kay (Steve) Williams, Bob (Diana), Rod (Ellen) and Tona Jo (Kevin) Frazier, 12 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Margaret, his father, Frank, his brothers, William Frank (Bill) MIA in Guadalcanal, Robert Sidly (Dick) killed in Salzberg Austria, and great-great granddaughter Emma Jo Evertson.
Funeral Services will be held Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014 at 12:00 noon at the Huntington 5th Ward Chapel in Huntington, Utah. A viewing will be held at the Heritage Funeral Home, 620 N. Main in Huntington, Utah on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014 from 6-8 p.m. and Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014 at the Huntington Fifth Ward Building one hour prior to service. Burial will be in the family plot in Lawrence by his home under the trusted care of the Heritage Funeral Home. Friends may sign the online guest book at www.heritagefuneralhomeutah.com.