Howard Willson

Howard A. Willson, 103 of Kearney passed away Saturday, November 26, 2011 at the St. Luke’s Good Samaritan Society Home in Kearney. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Wednesday November 30, 2011 at the O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney with the Rev. Lew Champ officiating. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 Tuesday at the Funeral Home and will continue one hour prior to the service. Interment will take place 3:00 P.M. Wednesday at the Oak Creek Church Cemetery in Lebanon, Kansas. Memorials are suggested to the Oak Creek Church in Lebanon, KS or the First Christian Church in Kearney. Online condolences may be submitted at www.osrfh.com. Arrangements entrusted to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home of Kearney. Howard Andrew Willson was born October 7, 1908 in Lebanon, Kansas to Clarence and Amanda (Clemons) Willson. After attending High School in Lebanon, Kansas he farmed with his father. On May 14, 1934 he was united in marriage to Rozella Faye Herndon in Lebanon. The couple farmed south of Lebanon in the Stuart vicinity. In 1950, they purchased the Lebanon Grain Company at Lebanon and moved into Lebanon. In 1957 they purchased the Elwood Grain Company at Elwood, NE and moved to Elwood. In June of 1957, they adopted two children; Betty Jo and Bruce. Upon semi-retiring they purchased a home in Vista, California. In 1984, they moved back to Lebanon, KS. Howard and Rosella would go on trips often times taking their grandchildren with them. Rozella passed away on January 28, 1987. On February 14, 1988 Howard married Gail Leggott of Elwood. They purchased their home in Kearney to be closer to his kids and the Hospital. He was a lifetime member of the Christian Church in Lebanon, KS, Elwood, NE and Kearney. He enjoyed golfing, ceramics, reading western books and gardening. He also enjoyed watching western movies and Husker games. Howard was proud of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a good father to his two children. Survivors include his wife, Gail Willson of North Platte; daughter, Betty Jo Gehring of Kearney; son, Bruce Willson and his wife, Peggy of Minden; grandchildren, Michelle (Dan) Dorsynski, Monica Roblyer, Greg (Denise) Gehring, Lee (Beth) Willson, Mark (Lori) Willson, Scott Willson, Jeff (Jennifer) Willson; 19 grandchildren. Other relatives include his sister-in-law, Julia Allen; step-sons and families; many nieces and nephews and a host of friends. Howard was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, Rozella, brothers, Robert; sisters, Kathryn Jackson and Ruth Brock; great grandson Ghett Gehring and a son-in-law, Gerald Gehring.

Howard Willson

October 7, 1908 - November 26, 2011