Buck Richard Willis, resident of Sand Springs, passed from this life on Friday, April 28, 2017 at his home. He was 95 years of age. Buck was born September 30, 1921 in Pryor, OK to Walter and Emma (Meadows) Willis. He was raised and received his education in northeast Oklahoma. Buck enlisted in the US Navy in 1942, honorably serving his country until being discharged in December of 1945.
Buck and Gladys Juanita Allsup were united in marriage on July 25, 1942 in Claremore. Following his discharge from the Navy, he and Gladys made their home in the Mingo area of northeast Tulsa, later moving to Sand Springs. Buck worked 42 years for Sun Oil Company in various capacities until retirement. He was a member of the Silver-Haired Legislators and the Cherokee Nation. Buck enjoyed gardening, and in earlier years, coaching baseball and quail hunting. A handy man by trade, he also did remodeling for people for many years.
Those that survive and hold many cherished memories include his children – Janice Barnes and husband Keith of Sand Springs, OK and Richard Willis and wife Debbie of Coweta, OK. Also surviving are grandchildren – Jeremy Matthews and wife Andia, Nikki Willis, Kelli Holmes and husband Joel, and Kristi Scott and husband Matthew; one great grandson Peyton Scott; two brothers Erven Willis and wife Lydia of Pryor, OK, Leo “Dude” Willis and wife Shirley of Beaumont, TX and a sister Frances Cramer and husband Dennis “Buck” of Sand Springs, OK; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Buck was preceded in death by his parents, wife Gladys, a daughter Nelda Willis, two brothers Dave and Floyd Willis and two sisters Almeta Welborn and Barbara Morgan.
Memorial services for Buck will be held on Thursday, May 4, 2017 at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Mowery Funeral Service with Chaplain Roy Bingham of Grace Hospice officiating. Burial of his ashes will be in the Fairview Cemetery in Owasso at a later date. Arrangements and services have been entrusted to Mowery Funeral Service of Owasso. www.moweryfs.com
