Merrill Duane Willis
June 20, 1940 — February 16, 2016
Merrill Duane Willis, Spanish Fork, UT, passed away February 16, 2016, in Provo, UT. He was born on June 20, 1940 in Twin Falls, Idaho. His parents were John Howard Willis and Melva Hartley. He grew up in Idaho, Montana and Utah. He married Diane Lockard, they were later divorced. He then married Joyce Jones.
He worked as plant manager of 32 branches of Commercial Security Bank. He owned and operated J.W. Refrigeration and J.W. Trucking. He also worked for F.B. Trucking, Nortons, JB Hunt, Swift, Ray Bethers and was currently with Interstate Distribution. He served 22 years in the U.S. Air Force and the Air Force Reserve and was a non-commissioned officer in the Naval Reserve. He loved electronics, fishing and mechanics.
Merrill was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Melvin Wills; granddaughter, Brittany Limb and great grandson, Hudson Chilson. He is survived by his wife, Joyce of 40 years; sister, Sandra Gellatly; daughters: Marilyn (Dale) Roupp, Cathy Hutto, Ann Willis, Collette (Anthony) Wallace and Gloria (Russ) Limb; sons: Jay Willis, Kenneth (Bonnie) Jones and Larry Jones; 30 Grandchildren, 46 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson.
A viewing will be held on Thursday evening, Feb. 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Wheeler Mortuary, 211 E 200 S, Springville, UT. Graveside services will be held with full Military rites on Friday, February 19, 2016 at 11 a.m. in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery.