Willis Lakey, 85 years, 5 months, 8 days old, passed to Heaven on January 27, 2022 at his son’s home in Republic, MO with his family by his side.
Willis was born in Douglas County, MO on August 19, 1936 to Ruby and Eliza Jane (Hitchcock) Lakey.
Willis made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ. He was baptized on March 14, 2004. He attended Seymour Freewill Baptist Church.
Willis was married to Mary (Davidson) Lakey for 38 years and they raised four boys. Later in years on May 15, 2006 Willis and Lula Burgin Tabor were united in marriage in Ava, MO. They were blessed to have 14 years together.
Willis worked at Hutchens Industries, was a farm hand, did masonry work and also was a fence builder. He loved to grow a garden, enjoyed coonhunting and raising Walker Hounds.
Willis was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Mary, second wife Lula, his oldest son, Willis Lakey, Jr. his brothers, Floyd, Sherman and Leonard Lakey, a step brother, Aaron Pruett, his sister’s, Ditha, Viginia, Mamie, and Mary Ellen.
Willis is survived by his three sons, Mike and wife Pam Lakey, Leon Lakey and Charles and wife, Angela Lakey, three granddaughters; Christina Neeley, Skyler Lakey and Austyn Lakey, one grandson, Seth Lakey, five step children and their spouses; Ken & Linda Tabor, Jeff & Debbie Tabor, Twila & Steve Lopez, Rocky & Terri Tabor, and Tina & Danny Coggins, step grand and great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services for Willis will be Friday, February 4, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, MO with burial following in the Dyer Cemetery. Visitation will be prior to the service on Friday at 1:00 p.m. Officiating will be Pastor Derek Terry. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the family as a love offering.
