Willard Atwill

Willard Dale Atwill, Stockton, Kansas, died on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at the Solomon Valley Manor in Stockton, at the age of 91. He was born on April 6, 1932, the youngest of 11 children, to Arthur James and Nellie May (Carpenter) Atwill in Lebanon, Kansas. He married Jean Silsby on July 30, 1951. They were blessed with eight children, two boys and six girls: Arthur, Susan, Terry, Nancy, Tammy, Gail, Lori and Richard. They enjoyed many wonderful years before Jean's death in 2000.

Willard grew up in Lebanon and graduated from Lebanon High School in 1950. Willard and Jean lived in Lincoln, Nebraska, and Smith Center, Kansas, before settling in Stockton. Willard worked for Milt Boethin before starting his own plumbing business, Atwill Plumbing and Heating, in Stockton which he ran for many years until he retired. He also ran a skating rink in the summer for two years.

Willard enjoyed going gambling, especially in the Topeka area, and the many trips taken with his nephew, Dave. They visited all 47 towns named Lebanon in the United States. He liked the St. Louis Cardinals and enjoyed going to the World Series games. He was present at the longest World Series game in history at Busch Stadium.

Williard is survived by his children, Arthur "Art" Atwill of Kimberling City, Missouri, Terry (Dick Nyp) Atwill of Wamego, Kansas, Nancy (Robert) Williams of Stockton, Tammy Atwill of Stockton, Gail Atwill of Phoenix, Arizona, Lori (Robert) VanEaton of Norton, Kansas, and Richard (Shawna) Atwill of Sedgwick, Kansas; son-in-law, Bob Riffel of Stockton; sister-in-law, Judy Hanson of Hardy, Nebraska; 12 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Preceding Willard in death were his parents; wife, Jean; daughter, Susan; brothers, Ralph, Eugene, and Art Atwill; and sisters, Rita Holding, Ada Atwill, Marqueite Atwill, Lucille, Lona, Lois and Evelyn.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., today (Thursday) March 28, at the Stockton City Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Solomon Valley Manor or American Cancer Society and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. 1st, Stockton, Kansas 67669.

Online condolences may be left for the family at http://www.plumer overlease.com.