Willis Eldene "Willie" Lauffer, 78, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away September 1, 2020 at his home.

Born December 10, 1941 in Howard, Kansas, he was the son of Carl William and Elda Marie (May) Lauffer.  Willie was raised and received his education in Howard, graduating from Howard High School in 1959.  Immediately following high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy.  He proudly served his country during Vietnam aboard the USS Ashland, USS Buchanan, USS John S. McCain, USS Lynde McCormick, USS Little Rock, USS America and the USS Paul Revere.  After 19 years of active duty service, Willie transferred to the Fleet Reserve in 1978.  Willie moved his family to Kansas in 1979.  He retired from the Navy on February 1, 1989.

He attended Cowley County Community College in 1982 and graduated with an Associate of Applied Science in 1985.  Willie began working at Boeing Aircraft Company in 1980.  He worked in the Spars & Skins department for over 20 years, retiring in August 2001.

Willie was an avid gun fanatic.  He enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting.

His family includes his son Clayton Lauffer and wife, LeAnne of Winfield; his daughters, Tina Umholtz and husband, Craig of Burden; Candy Lauffer of Winfield; his brothers, Alan Lauffer of Wichita; Terry Lauffer of Arizona; Dwight Lauffer of California; his grandsons, Shane and Tyler Davis, and Colton and Leland "LJ" Lauffer; and four great grandchildren.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents.

Graveside funeral services with Navy Committal Honors will be held at 2:00 P.M., Monday, September 14, 2020 at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery in Winfield.  Services are under the direction of Miles Funeral Service.

A memorial has been established in Willie's name for the Wounded Warriors Fund.  Contributions may be made through the funeral home.