Don Ray Willis of Macks Creek departed this life March 16, 2025, in the home of his grandson on the farm in Macks Creek, MO.
Don Ray Willis was born Sept 19, 1929, in a small cabin on Broads Branch Southeast of Macks Creek, near Edith, MO. To his parents Edward Addison (Pete) Willis, and Edith Meads Willis.
Don was raised in Macks Creek, and everyone was poor born in the depression, there wasn't a lot to eat, there definitely wasn’t much money and there were a lot of mouths to feed. Don always had chores to do and worked like a man from a young age. Don and his family walked wherever they went locally and made the best out of what they had. Don attended grade school at Pleasant Grove School in his early years. He later quit school to work and help support his family. Don later returned to school enrolling into Camdenton School District, where he played basketball, was the Homecoming King and finished receiving his diploma. Don even drove the school bus as a job while attending school as a student. While in school at Camdenton Don worked, saved money, supported his own way through school, even loaning money to his parents for them to be able to survive. While in school Don saw the most beautiful young lady and knew that he just had to get a date with her. He would always say that she was the hardest girl to ever get a date with. He never had any problems getting a date with the other girls, but she was hard. Her name was Bessie Newton. Eventually Bessie gave in, and they started dating and they were married on May 21, 1949, at Don's grandfather's house near Edith, MO. Shortly after marriage Don and Bessie had a dream to move to Kansas City to find a good job, live frugally, save enough money to buy a farm In Macks Creek, and stock it with cattle and pay cash for it all. They held true to their dream and done just that. They purchased their farm in Bannister Hollow in 1965 and finally moved back to Macks Creek in 1968. While in Kansas City, Don worked for nearly 20 years for Ralston Purina Feed Company where he mixed feed, delivered feed, drove semi-trucks and wore many hats. Daily Don would throw 200-pound sacks of feed like they were a bag of potatoes. While in Kansas City, Don and Bessie gave birth to and were raising their three sons. Newton, Steve & Tim. Don and Bessie knew that they had to get their sons out of Kansas City, and to the farm so that they could learn some of the most important lessons in life hands-on. After returning home to Macks Creek Don started his second career with the State of Missouri, retiring from MODOT after over 20 years of service. Don always worked hard on the farm and there were always cattle to work, haul, transfer, building fence, cutting brush, picking up rocks etc. If there wasn't something to do, he would find all family members something to do. Bessie was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in the 80’s and passed away on December 18, 1991. They shared 42 years, 6 months and 27 days together. Don was heartbroken as Bessie was the love of his life. He was later introduced to Yvonne Easter Gemes who her husband was killed in a tragic farming accident in 1987. Don and Easter were married on October 10, 1992. They shared 31 years, 3 months and 14 months of marriage together.
Don was a member of Harmony missionary Baptist Church in Macks Creek. Don was saved in the fall of 1940 at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church. He had quite the testimony of his time and place where the Lord saved his soul, and he loved sharing it. There was not a person who he met that he didn't inquire about their condition with the Lord, and if they had truly been born again by the blood of Jesus. While in Kansas City Don was called to preach and he mortgaged his own house to purchase a Church building to begin to start having Church. They organized the Church "Green Valley" there were many, many souls saved, the sick were healed, marriages were restored, backsliders were warmed up and began to serve the Lord again all while Don pastored the Church. With the help of the Lord that Church prospered and was sold before he moved back to Macks Creek in 1968. Don has pastored several Churches over the years, has baptized l00's of people, preforming l00's of wedding ceremonies, lO0's of funerals and always tried to do the work the Lord had for him to do. Don wasn't a sugar coated, feelgood preacher. He preached the true Gospel, and he always tried to follow the Lord. To know Don Ray Willis was to LOVE Don Ray Willis. Don's favorite passage in the bible is found in Romans 8:31, "If God be for us, who can be against us?"
Don is survived by his children- Newton Ray Willis (Rosalee); Steven Lee Willis: John Timothy Willis (Pam); Steven Wayne Gemes (Jill): and Donna Nelson. Ten Grandchildren; 24 Great Grandchildren; 7 Great-Great Grandchildren. Many nieces, nephews, cousins, family friends, and his entire Church family and loved ones.
Don was proceeded in death by his two wives- Bessie Ruth Newton Willis (12/18/1991). Yvonne Easter Willis {01/24/2024). An infant daughter, Grandson Donald Brent Willis, Great Grandson Luc Donald Gemes, Daughter In Law Wanda Lou Willis. His parents Pete and Edith Willis. His in-laws William Arlie Newton and Ida May Whitworth Newton. His siblings and their spouses. Brothers AJ Willis, Frank Willis, Vaughn Willis, and sister, Martha (Marie) Willis Cyrus Arnold.
Friends will be received from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday, March 21, 2025, at Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Home Macks Creek. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Hedges -Scott-Millard Funeral Home, Macks Creek.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family to set up a scholarship fund in Don's name.
Arrangements are under the direction of Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes, 14384 West Highway 54, Macks Creek, MO 65786 (573) 363-5360. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.hedgesscottmillard.com.
