Obituaries

Donald Ray Willis

Obituary

Donald Ray Willis, born on November 22, 1944 – passed on September 5, 2026

Donald Ray Willis, proud father of two children, Lisa Kay Willis & Christopher Michael Willis.

He was born in the Midwest town of Udall, Kansas, on November 22, 1944, to parents Clifford John Willis & Ethel Mildred Willis, and their children and Don’s siblings: sons Robert, John, and Don, and daughters Elsie, Maxine, Virginia, and Peggy. He grew up in the rural community of Udall attending grade school through high school. Kansas is often included in the area known as Tornado Alley, and in May 1955, an F5 tornado ripped through the little town of Udall and lifted cars, which landed in trees! Don and his family were also lifted by the tornado while trying to stay safe inside their home. When they regained awareness, the Red Cross treated them; a reporter snapped a photo that ended up in Time Life Magazine!

After high school, his wanderlust to see the world and serve his country motivated him to enlist in the United States Navy. He served aboard the USS Constellation aircraft carrier and visited many exotic countries and ports. Some of the highlights he spoke highly of were Japan, the Philippines, Hawaii, and China. I saw a picture of him visiting the Great Wall of China.

During his Navy travels, the USS Constellation docked in the Seattle area, where he met the love of his life, Karen Lee Willis. The two lovebirds were married in March 1966 and were together for 58 ½ beautiful years before her passing on December 5, 2024. 

Don was a devoted and loving husband to his wife, Karen, and a devoted and loving father to his children, Lisa and Christopher, who will dearly miss him and the life lessons he imparted to them. Among them was never leave for tomorrow what you could do today. In other words, Carpe diem, or seize the day!

When Don settled with his new bride in the Seattle area, he fully enjoyed the abundant recreational activities the Great Pacific Northwest is world-renowned for: hiking, camping, and fishing. It was fishing where Don really outshone others and became a master fisherman. He could reach the fishing limit before others caught their first fish of the day. We have many fond memories of Dad on fishing trips and photos of the fish to prove it!

Dad also enjoyed gambling and loved the movie “The Gambler”! Dad and Mom really enjoyed going to casinos and testing “lady luck.” Sometimes, they did get lucky. Win or lose, Don enjoyed the excitement. Dad also traveled a lot with Mom, especially after retirement. Traveling to Florida and Missouri and visited family in Kansas, Colorado, and California.

Don was preceded in death by his father, Clifford John Willis; his mother, Ethel Mildred Willis; his eldest brother, Robert Willis; his sisters, Elise Willis and Virginia Blakemore; and his wife, Karen Lea Willis. He is survived by his brother, John Willis; his sisters, Maxine Shields and Peggy Bannon; his children, Lisa Willis and Christopher Willis; and his family, Lilia Willis and Stephanie Kinkead. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and cousins, who are too many to list here.

Donald Willis’ memorial “celebration of life” service will be held at the Resurrection Chapel on Friday, September 25, 2026. The viewing will be at 1:00 pm, and the memorial service will start at 2:00 pm. The service will be held at the Chapel of the Resurrection Mausoleum and Funeral Home, 16300 112^th Ave NE, Bothell, WA 98011.