Jack R. Willis 82, formerly of Horton, passed away peacefully March 10, 2022, at Oakley Place-Seneca.

Jack, and his twin brother Jerry, were born February 12, 1940, in Horton, sons of Homer and Katherine Willis.  He married Zelma Larson on June 5, 1959. They shared 62 years together. Jack worked at Atchison Casting for 37 years, retiring in 1995. Jack served in the Kansas National Guard from 1958-1963 with the B Btry 2nd Battalion 30th Artillery from Hiawatha, Troy, Sabetha, and Horton. He graduated from Willis (KS) High School.

In 1995, Jack and Zelma retired and spent summers in southern Missouri and winters at Wintergreen Estates in Mission, TX.  In 2002, they took permanent residence in Mission, TX, before returning to Kansas (Sabetha) in August of 2021. At Wintergreen Estates Jack was very active serving on the association board and as Block Captain.  He and Zelma organized and participated in the association pool (billiards) team(s).  He enjoyed his First Presbyterian Church family and served as Elder and Usher. Jack enjoyed hunting quail, pheasant and deer.  He could often be seen fishing at a farm pond or a trout stream. A Jack-fish-fry was a CAN’T-MISS for family and friends.  And his secret batter recipe has been passed on to the next generation.  He also loved old cars, especially his 49 Ford.

Jack was preceded in death by: his parents; brother James Willis; and sisters, Janie Lockwood and Jody Streeter.

He is survived by his wife, Zelma, Sabetha; twin brother Jerry (Charlene) of Kansas City, MO; son, Don (Jamie) Willis, Savannah, MO; daughter, Carol (Kevin) Stirton, Horton; grandchildren: Kelsey (Jonathan) House, Jory Martin, Brittney (Brett) Neibling, and Hannah (Skyler) Owen; great- grandchildren: Daly & Ashton Martin, Krayton & Kholden House; Brenna, Bristol & Bryce Neibling, and another due in July.

The funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, March 17, 2022 at the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary in Horton, Kansas where the family will greet friends on Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 7:30 P.M. Burial will military graveside rites will be held at the Horton Cemetery following the funeral service. Memorials may be made to the Jack Willis memorial fund to be designated later and may be sent in care of the mortuary. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com