Orval A. Willey

Orval A. Willey, 88, of Parsons, passed away at 8:05 p.m., Monday, April 24, 2017 at the Elmhaven Nursing Home in Parsons.

Mr. Willey was born in Pittsburg, Kansas on December 17, 1928, the son of Floyd Willey and Ruth (Carroll) Willey.  He grew up and attended schools in Pittsburg.  He had also served in the United States Army in Korea from April 4, 1951 until March 21, 1953.

Orval was united in marriage to Irene Bowman Cross in 1965.  She preceded him in death on January 10, 2012.

He worked for many years for the Shields Custom Services in Parsons.  In recent years, he had attended the First Presbyterian Church in Parsons and had resided at the Woodridge Estates for several years prior to entering the nursing home two months ago.  He was known for always being cheerful and helpful to friends and family.

Survivors Include:

One Son:  Jim Willey and his wife, Brenda – Salina, Kansas

One Daughter:  Jackie Gitchell and her husband, Bob – Greeley, Colorado

One Sister:  Blanche Ann Sherman – Pittsburg, Kansas

Stepchildren:  Bob Cross and his wife, Jean – Chanute, Kansas

Marie Mahoney and her husband Mike – Olathe, Kansas

Nine Grandchildren

Several Great-grandchildren

In addition to his wife, Irene, he was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, James and Carl Willey.

Following cremation, a visitation will be held from 3 to 5 p.m., Monday, May 8, 2017 at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home of Parsons.  Burial of cremains will be next to his wife, Irene at the Fort Scott National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas.