Darrell James Willis

Darrell James Willis was born on September 2, 1955 to Juanita J Thomas and James Virgil Willis. He grew up in Celt and as a young boy was saved at a revival at Celt Union Church. At 19 years old he married Anita L. Stokes and into this union two children were born, Damon and Amber (Willis) Maack. In September 2004 he married Teresa Jane (Reichtmyer) Crocker and into this union he gained two more children by marriage, Chris Crocker and Amanda (Crocker) Riley. Darrell spent a good portion of his working life for what would eventually become FedEx Freight. He worked for 20+ years before retiring in 2017. Anyone that knew Darrell knew that he could not just retire and do nothing. He then became employed for the County in Dallas County for a short time before retiring to farm life. Darrell loved being outside and doing anything farm related. He was also a classic piddler. He could spend hours going through drawers, boxes or just digging in junk. Anyone who knew him knew that it took an eternity for him to get a story told mostly because he would fall asleep in the middle of telling it or get sidetracked and start telling another story. Darrell also had this amazing ability to fall asleep anywhere, anytime and in any condition. Darrell loved his family and he loved them with everything he had. He would drop everything to be there for and take care of them. He was not afraid to laugh with them or cry with them if that is what they needed. Darrell always found a loving way to connect with people and could talk to anyone for hours. He truly found his calling as he became a grandpa. He had a cup that said, “My favorite people call me Papa.” He loved his grandkids so much and they were truly the light of his life. Darrell loved playing with them and teasing them until they got mad or laughed or both. He would sing them silly songs and truly invested all of himself into them when they were around. He loved playing toys with his grandsons and granddaughters, and not once would he dare tell them no. Candy, cookies and ice cream were acceptable meals any time of the day or night despite what mom and dad said. Darrell loved his wife, children, and stepchildren dearly as well. He always said that he would have had a whole bunch of kids if the Lord would have given them to him. He also said that he would have long hair all the way down his back if he was not bald. Thank goodness God saw fit to have him lose his hair at an early age! Darrell was a member at Cherry Grove Baptist Church. He was fortunate enough to be raised by a mother and father that taught him about the Lord. God was such an important part of his life and what kept him going. Having salvation was especially important and he wanted everyone to have a time and a place to tell about. Darrell touched many lives and made such a huge impact in so many people’s lives. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. Darrell never told anyone no and he always tried to make sure those around him were always taken care of. He had so many friends that loved him and he never met a stranger. Just to put into depth how good of a friend Darrell was, his best friend Joe Rooffener and he were still best friends after 60+ years. There is a huge void left in so many hearts. He is rejoicing in heaven with his mom and dad and many more family members that had been saved. Darrell is preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Wanda Willis. He is survived by his wife, Teresa Willis of the home; his sister, Janice Kinney of Macks Creek, MO; his children, Damon Willis & wife Katricia of Buffalo, MO, Amber Maack & husband Doug of Bolivar, MO, Chris Crocker of Urbana, MO, and Amanda Riley & husband Brandon of Buffalo, MO; 12 grandkids, Davon Willis, Quincey Willis, Jayce Talbot, Bryce Willis, Kaden Spicer, Djon Willis, Grayson Maack, Mason Riley, Lenora Willis, Lyla Riley and twins Everly and Adley Maack; and one great-grandchild, McKinley Willis. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 19, 2021 in the Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home with Bro. John Stewart and Bro. Dennis Skinner officiating. Escorts will be Joe Rooffener, David Perkins, Gary Dugsdale, Tim Stokes, Ivan Stokes, and Chris Crocker. Honorary escorts will be Damon Willis, Quincey Willis, Bryce Willis, Tommy Parrack, Brandon Riley, Doug Maack, Cheyenne Roofener, Rusty Willis, Chris Kinney, Terry Willis, and Kenton Kinney. Interment will be in the AB Cemetery under the care and direction of the Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home of Buffalo. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the AB Cemetery or the Cherry Grove Church.

Darrell James Willis

September 2, 1955 - June 15, 2021