Robert “Bob” Eugene Willis was born July 19, 1952, in Kansas City, Missouri, to William and Iva Willis. He unexpectedly departed this world Sunday, March 22, 2020, at age 67. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 19th at the Odessa VFW Post, 9642 E. Old Hwy 40, Odessa, MO 64076. Following the service, the family will visit with friends from 3:30 – 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s memory to the VFW Post #5675. The family requests masks be worn. If you don’t have one, one will be provided to you.
Bob leaves behind his wife of 33 years, Della Willis, and two daughters, Lisa Pelloquin and Crystal (Boo) Askew. He is survived by his son-in-law Brandon Askew; beloved mother, Iva Willis; three grandchildren, Makayla Pelloquin, Robert Petty, and Aiden Askew. Additionally, he will be missed by his four brothers and one sister, Tom Willis of Warsaw, MO, Rick Willis (Sherry) of Odessa, MO, Sandy Barker (Charlie) of Grain Valley, MO, Terry Willis (Gail) of Kansas City, MO and Bob Sweet of Bolingbrook, IL., along with nine nieces and twelve nephews. Bob loved his family and friends with all his heart. He was preceded in death by his father, William Etheridge Willis.
Growing up on “the farm” in Odessa, Missouri, he spent time bringing home wild animals that would become pets and playing with his brothers and sister. He graduated from Odessa High School in 1970, attended college in Warrensburg and joined the Air Force. During his younger years, he developed a passion for riding motorcycles, especially Harley Davidsons. He also loved to talk music and pick the guitar with his brothers, nephews and friends. He was an active member of the American Legion Post #286 previously serving as commander and proudly served in the Honor Guard honoring fallen veterans.
Bob never met a stranger and often made friends in unlikely places. His family recalls many road trips where while stopping for gas, Bob would make new friends while inside the station and could even be found playing music with new friends he’d just met. He was a man that spoke the truth and you knew where you stood with him. He judged a person by how they treated others and gravitated toward those with a strong handshake and who looked him in the eye when they spoke.
He was very proud of the home he provided for his wife and daughters. In later years, he loved to sit back and relax in his shop with a cold beer and chat with friends and family as they stopped by. Most days you could find him tinkering with his toys in his shop, listening to the Royals play on the radio, calling in to win prizes on KMZU The Farm and impressing his friends with his Jeopardy knowledge.
His family and friends knew him as the most stubborn man with the biggest heart and a teller of stories and jokes, always pulling pranks on those he loved the most. In addition to his orneriness, he had an undeniable compassion for his friends and family and would do anything to help. Many described him as “one-of-a-kind” and it was impossible not to fall in love with him. He will be missed so much and by so many.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, MO 816-690-4441