Carl Gene Willis, 79, of Columbia, MO passed away Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at University of Missouri Hospital with his family at his side. Visitation will be 1-2pm, Saturday, November 3, 2018 at Memorial Funeral 1217 Business Loop 70 West Columbia, MO; funeral service will follow at 2pm. Graveside service will be 1pm, Monday, November 5, 2018 at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser, IL.
Carl was born February 4, 1939 in Buckner, IL to Ephraim Earl and Margaret Cutty Willis. He spent much of his childhood in the company of his family members, many who immigrated from England, and through them he became interested in his British heritage. He began a long career in Psychology and Education when he graduated from Southern Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree, and soon thereafter, he completed the Master’s program at University of Illinois Champaign. He completed his Doctorate in Educational Psychology at Oklahoma State University. In November 1960, he married Sharon Farmer in Valier, IL; she preceded him in death in 1977.
Carl had a long and fulfilling career in Educational Psychology. He began his tenure at the University of Missouri in 1966 and for over 30 years counseled and taught many students. He was a member of the Missouri Psychological Association and was a past President of the Association. Carl was also active in his community as past President of the Daniel Boone Library Board and a longtime board member. He retired in 2000 but kept his connection to the University and many of his colleagues throughout his retirement.
Anyone who met Carl would remember him; he was large in stature and personality. He had a joke or a song at hand to lighten any moment and knew when someone needed their spirits lifted. Carl had a passion for genealogy; he enjoyed going for long drives and traveling, and he was recently able to travel to England with his son. He was a loyal MU Tigers fan and held season tickets for many years. Carl loved spending time with children, especially his grandchildren, and children loved spending time with Carl. He took their interests seriously, told them corny jokes, and sang You Are My Sunshine to them.
He is survived by his children, Chris Willis of Columbia and Shari Willis of Philadelphia, PA; and three granddaughters, Jamie, Katie, and Heidi Willis. His wife, Sharon, father and mother, and two siblings, Earlene and David Earl Willis preceded him in death.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sharon Willis Memorial Scholarship at the University of Missouri, Alzheimer’s Association 2400 Bluff Creek Dr, Columbia, MO 65201, or the Breast Cancer Research Foundation online at www.bcrf.org/donate.
