Willis H. Staley

Willis H. Staley

Nov. 10. 1923 - Dec. 5, 2011

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Willis H. Staley passed away at his home in McCook on Dec. 5, 2011. He was 88 years old.

Willis was born on Nov. 10, 1923, at Freedom, Nebraska, in Frontier County to Carl and Frances (Edgar) Staley. He graduated from Cambridge High School in 1941, and continued his education at McCook Community College.

On Dec. 10, 1942, he entered the US Navy and served during World War II. He was united in marriage to Virginia Beth Albrecht on Sept.19, 1945. To this union two daughters, Candice and Diane, were born. He was honorably discharged on Jan. 19, 1946.

After Willis was discharged from the service, they made their home in several locations including Denver, Colorado, McCook, Huron, South Dakota, and Billings, Montana, and finally back to McCook in 1981. Willis was employed by the Bureau of Reclamation serving in the finance department until his retirement.

Willis was a member of the First Congregational Church, a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge and McCook Elk's Lodge. He enjoyed farming in earlier years, hunting, fishing, gardening, and woodworking. He was an avid Husker fan, never missing a game if it were on TV. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and his beloved Pug, Artie.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Carl and Frances Staley; his wife, Virginia on Dec.6, 2010; and two sisters, Joy Robertson and Margaret Hayen.

Survivors include his daughters, Candice and husband, Glenn Godfrey, of Billings, Montana and Diane Staley of Glendale, Arizona; granddaughter, Jessica Baracker of Billings, Montana; grandson, Kyle Giest of Glendale, Arizona; nieces, nephews and many friends.

Memorials may be given in his name to the McCook Senior Center or McCook Humane Society.

Visitation will be Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011, at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home from 1 8 p.m., with the family greeting friends from 6-8 p.m.

Funeral services will be held Friday, Dec. 9, 2011, 10:30 a.m. at the First Congregational Church with Pastor Steve Bales officiating. Burial will be at 1 p.m. in the Fairview Cemetery in Cambridge.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements. Friends may sign his book and send condolences at www.carpenterbreland.com