Drakeford LeRoy (D.L.) Willis |
| Posted 2009-11-07 by Sharla |
| The White Mountain Independent Show Low, Arizona 08/17/2007 Drakeford LeRoy "D.L." Willis, 73, died Sunday, Aug. 12, 2007, in Show Low following a brief illness. He was born Jan. 13, 1934, in McNary to the late Hugh and Laura L. (Brewer) Willis. He graduated from McNary High School in 1952 and, following high school, attended Eastern Arizona Junior College in Thatcher. He married the former Julia Ann Grasmoen in McNary Aug. 20, 1954, and their marriage was later solemnized in the Mesa Temple. He later received his bachelor's degree in elementary education from Arizona State University in 1956. D.L. began his long teaching career in San Manuel, where he lived until 1969. At that time he and his family moved to Heber where he had resided since. He retired in 1988 from Capps Elementary School in Heber where he was affectionately known as "Waffle." D.L. also had the privilege of teaching all his children at some point during their school years. During his time in Heber, D.L. also drove a school bus and was the first wrestling coach at Capps Elementary and refereed high school sports in the White Mountains. In 1998 he and Julia served a proselytizing mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Independence, Mo., Mission. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Julia of Heber; two daughters, Laurie (Guy) Lee of Snowflake and Corie (Rick) Turley of Heber; four sons, Craig (Robin) Willis of Heber, Briant (Sherry) Willis of Globe, Marshall (Robyn) Willis of Overgaard and Kenyon (Kasey) Willis of Clinton, Iowa; 19 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and one brother, Boyd (Pauline) Willis of Hemmett, Calif. He was preceded in death by his sister, Renee Williams, and four brothers, Scott, Meb, Russell and Bud. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Aug.18, at 11 a.m. at the Heber Ward, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with visitation one hour prior to services, and from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Aug 17, both at the church. Owens Mortuary of Snowflake handled arrangements. See Also: Find A Grave |
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