Willard Brice Busby, 93, past resident of St. Francis, Kansas, passed away peacefully Sunday night, May 31, 2020 at the Kansas Veterans Home in Winfield.

Born January 9, 1927 in Wray, Colorado, Willard was the son of Willard Elmer "John" Busby and Lelia Jean May.  His mother passed away when Willard was eight years old, and after his mother's passing, he lived with Velma and Harry Eckburg, his aunt and uncle.  He enjoyed telling about his days of herding turkeys, he would ride the horse across the Arikaree River and the Black Wolf River at sun-up to the May's homestead at Beecher Island, Colorado.  He was raised and received his education in St. Francis, KS.

Willard enlisted in the United States Navy on January 8, 1945, one day before his 18 ^th birthday, in Denver.  The next day he was put on a troop train, which was a converted cattle car with a coal stove for warmth, to Chicago for basic training at Great Lakes Naval Station, Great Lakes, Illinois.  He was assigned to USS Vesole in Norfolk, VA on April 20, 1945, and was sent to the Asiatic Pacific Campaign.  The route was Puerto Rico – Guantanamo Bay – Panama Canal – Hawaii – Tokyo Bay—arrived three days after Peace term was signed.  Then to Hiroshima – Okaida – Shanghai – Hong Kong – Manilla – Guam – Tsinghau (China), on 4 ^th June 1946.  He was honorably discharged with multiple awards from active duty on July 4, 1946.  His first stop once home was to see his future wife, Bonnie Wickwar.  They were married on February 15, 1948.  The couple made their home in St. Francis, KS.

Willard loved his family and was very proud of them and their achievements.  He was a hard worker and was a great provider for his family.  He enjoyed visiting with people during his US Postal career and Moorman feed business.  He took the family on a summer vacation each year, first to Estes Park numerous times and the longest journey being a 2-week trip to the 1962 Seattle World Fair.  Imagine a 3,800-mile trip with four boys ages 12, 10, 6 and 4.  He continued the tradition even in retirement with his grandchildren to many parts of the US.  He enjoyed ice cream; there was always some in the freezer.

Willard was a 4-H leader, fair superintendent, and Extension Council member.  Bonnie and Willard were honored in 2008 by being named Grand Marshalls of the Cheyenne County Fair Parade.

His family includes his sons, Darrell and Cathy of Oakland, IA; Dennis and LeAnn of Shawnee, KS; Doug of Mission, KS; David of Napa, CA; his grandchildren, Justin of Champaign, IL; Jeremy and Cary of Knoxville, TN; Julie of Oakland, IA; Tish Havel of Kearney, NE; his great-grandchildren, Shelby, Blake, Steven, Leah, Kinley; his great-great granddaughter, Lilah; and his half-sister, Sharon Busby-Harques of Perryton, TX.

In addition to his parents, Willard was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Bonnie; his siblings, Lelia Jean Miller, Charles Richard "Dick", Donald Lee; and his half-siblings, Sandra Sue Christensen, Sam Duane and Jerry Lynn.

Private Memorial services will be held at St. Francis Cemetery in St. Francis, Kansas.

In memory of Willard, the simple act of a smile and saying "Hi" to someone, give them a roll of Lifesavers or a pack or gum.  Memorials may be sent to St. Francis Senior Citizens Center.