Homer Henry Willms

Homer H. Willms of Austin passed away Monday, February 3, 2014 with family by his side at the age of 94 due to complications from a fall. Homer was born in Lockhart, TX and was a third generation Texan. He grew up on the farm where he and his family grew cotton and raised livestock. Upon graduating from high school he attended Durham Business College in Austin, TX where he received an Associate's Degree in business and a second in accounting in 1938. He then went to work as a bookkeeper, storekeeper, and mechanic for Western Auto for seven years in Lockhart and then Luling where he served as manager.

In 1941 Homer married the one and only love of his life, Grace Henderson of Lockhart and shortly thereafter moved to Austin. They enjoyed 66 years of marriage before she predeceased him in 2007. Soon after Pearl Harbor he joined the army where he served his county during WW2. He served as a Tech Sergeant in the US Army Corps and at one time was in General Patton's armored division. Since he spoke German one of his main duties was an army interpreter and he served in this capacity until he was honorably discharged in 1945. On Jan 8, 1947 they were blessed with a son, Dennis Willms. Homer was actively involved in the Boy Scouts where he served as a scout master during his son's early years. After the war, Homer first worked for the railroad. He then worked for the U.S. Postal Service and after retiring from there had a second career, where he worked for the Texas Department of Health until retirement.

Homer was an avid Texas Longhorn fan. He served for over 30 years during football games as a staff member for the athletic department where he eventually worked as a staff supervisor during football games. He also worked as a volunteer for many years at the Texas Relays.

Homer was a member of St. Johns Methodist church in Austin for over 50 years where he faithfully attended until January of this year. Homer was also a member of the Ben Hur Shriners and received a 50 year service award in 2013.

Homer loved his family and friends and never met a stranger. He was a gentle soul, always willing to listen and help out however he could. He had a witty smile and contagious sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

Homer was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Laura Krueger Willms of Lockhart, TX; his wife, Grace Willms; his brother Connie Willms, and sister Cora Rodenberg; both of Lockhart. He is survived by his son and his wife, Dennis & Nancy Willms; two grand children, Dana and husband Ken Snyder, and Craig Willms; two great grandchildren, Taylor and Kennedy Snyder; and three step-grandchildren and three step-great grandchildren.

We extend our deepest gratitude to caring family and friends, the entire staff of Emeritus Senior Living, and the team of doctors and nurses at Brackenridge Hospital especially Dr Klem, that took care of Homer in his final days. Their kind and compassionate care will remain in our hearts forever.

The service will be held at Cook Walden, 6100 N. Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2014 with visitation at 10am. Interment will follow afterward at the Lockhart City Cemetery in Lockhart, TX.

For those desiring, a memorial contribution may be made in memory of Homer Willms to St. John's United Methodist Church, 2140 Allandale Rd Austin, TX 78756; to the National Parkinson's Foundation, Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 5018, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5018; or to a charity close to your heart.

Condolences may be sent to www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com.