Russell O. Willis

Russell O. "Russ" Willis, 79, of Topeka died December 29, 2014 surrounded by his loving family. Russ was born December 27, 1935 in Kingman County, Kansas, the son of Winfield and Bernice (Phillips) Willis. Russ received his Master's Degree in Physics and Chemistry from Emporia State University. He taught high school science at Mound City, Cunningham, and Seaman High School until 1982. Following his teaching career, he went to work as the Multiperil Crop Insurance Coordinator for Blakely Crop-Hail, Inc. in Topeka from where he retired in 2004. Russ was known as an extremely kind and helpful neighbor. He especially enjoyed spending time outdoors and working in his yard. He was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Downtown Lions Club where he served as Past President, and organized the Journey for Sight Run for over 25 years. He married the love of his life Shirley M. Wetter on August 19, 1961 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Emporia, Kansas. She survives. Other survivors include his adoring daughters, Tracy Willis of Prairie Village, and Cathy Willis of Topeka, and a sister, Bettie (Tom) Griffith of McPherson. Russ was preceded in death by his sisters, Anita Pulliam, and Shirley Ann Aco. Russ will lie in state after 2:00 P.M. Thursday at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. A parish rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Friday at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, or to the Most Pure Heart of Mary Ministry to the Aging, sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603.