Ira George Willis

Funeral Service for Ira G. Willis will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 4, 2015 at Walker Funeral Home with Kevin Frank officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service at Walker Funeral Home. A reception will follow at The American Legion. Ira George Willis, age 63, of Gillette, WY entered the Kingdom of Heaven on January 28, 2015, at Close to Home Hospice in Gillette, WY. Ira George Willis was born in Siren, Wisconsin to Dorothy and George Willis on August 30, 1951. During his younger years he enjoyed playing guitar in his garage and causing mischief. In his teenage years he was lucky enough to be blessed with a wonderful second father Gene Wellman, after the passing of his birth father George. Ira graduated from Webster High School in Webster, WI in 1969. He was accepted to college, but instead chose to serve our country in the United States Air Force. He served two years in Thailand and was honorably discharged after 4 years of service with several medals. On April 24, 1972 Ira married Susan Slagle in Cheyenne, WY and from this union came two amazing sons, Michael and Andrew. The couple moved their family to Gillette in 1986 and Ira later lived in Pine Haven. After the couple divorced in 1996 they remained close friends until his passing. Ira worked for Pacific Power for 30 years and it was during this time he met his beloved companion Mary Gray. They shared a life together for many years and she was at his side until the end. Ira loved to fish, go boating, camping, watch football and mostly spend time with his family, especially his grandkids. He was a proud member of the American Legion and grateful member of AA. Anyone who knew Ira said he had a very caring spirit, was a wonderful father and grandfather, and would help anyone he could. He had a great sense of humor and was known to be ornery at times. He was loved by many and he will be so greatly missed. Ira is survived by his beloved companion of many years Mary Gray; his parents Dorothy and Gene Wellman of Grantsburg, WI; his sons and daughters-in-law Mike and Tanya Willis of Gillette, WY, Andrew and Katti Willis of Moorcroft, WY; grandchildren Xavier Willis of Gillette, Aurora Studie of Moorcroft, WY and Tyler Gray of Pine Haven, WY. He was also a wonderful grandpa to Mary's grandkids, Mashayla, Logan and Jay. He was also survived by his brothers Bruce Willis, Charlie Wellman and Greg Willis; sister Margie Willis- Auby; ex-wife and longtime friend Susan Hafner; numerous nieces and nephews and relatives; along with many, many, wonderful friends and co-workers. He is preceded in death by his father George Ira Willis, sister-in-law Kelly Willis, and niece Connie Rogers. A memorial has been established to benefit Close to Home Hospice House. Memorials and Condolences may be sent in Ira's name to the family in care of Walker Funeral Home 410 Medical Arts Court Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be sent via the web at www.walkerfuneralgillette.com Funeral Home:Walker Funeral Home410 Medical Arts CourtGillette, WYUS 82716