D L. Drakeford LeRoy Willis

Drakeford LeRoy "D.L." Willis, age 73, passed away Sunday, August 12, 2007 in Show Low, Arizona, following a brief illness. He was born January 13, 1934 in McNary, Arizona to the late Hugh and Laura L. (Brewer) Willis. He graduated from McNary High School in 1952 and, following high school he attended Eastern Arizona Junior College in Thatcher. D.L. married the former Julia Ann Grasmoen in McNary on August 20, 1954 and their marriage was later solemnized in the Mesa, Arizona Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 1956 he received his B.S. degree in elementary education from Arizona State University. D.L. began his long teaching career in San Manuel, AZ, where he lived until 1969. At that time he, and his family, moved to Heber, Arizona, where he has since resided. He retired in 1988 from Capps Elementary School in Heber where he was affectionately known as "Waffle". D.L. also had the privilege of teaching all of his children at some point during their school years. While living in Heber, D.L. also drove a school bus, was the first wrestling coach at Capps Elementary School, and refereed high school sports at several schools in the White Mountains. In 1998, he and Julia served a proselyting mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Independence, Missouri Mission. D.L. is survived by his wife of 53 years, Julia of Heber, AZ; 2 daughters: Laurie (Guy) Lee of Snowflake, AZ, Corie (Rick) Turley of Heber, AZ; 4 sons: Craig (Robin) Willis of Heber, AZ, Briant (Sherry) Willis of Globe, AZ, Marshall (Robyn) Willis of Overgaard, AZ, Kenyon (Kasey) Willis of Clinton, Iowa; 19 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren and one brother, Boyd (Pauline) Willis of Hemmett, CA. He ws preceded in death by his sister, Renee Williams and 4 brothers: Scott, Meb, Russell and Bud. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., Friday, August 17, 2007 at The Heber Ward Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Funeral service will be held Saturday, August 18, 2007 at 11:00 A.M. at the church with additional visitation 1 hour prior. Interment will follow at The Heber Cemetery in Heber, Arizona.