Willard D. Atwill

Willard Dale Atwill, Stockton, KS, passed away on March 23, 2024, at the Solomon Valley Manor in Stockton, at the age of 91. He was born on April 6, 1932, the youngest of eleven children, to Arthur James and Nellie May (Carpenter) Atwill in Lebanon, KS. He married Jean Silsby on July 30, 1951. They were blessed with eight children, two boys and six girls: Arthur, Susan, Jerry, Nancy, Tammy, Gail, Lori, and Richard. They enjoyed many wonderful years before Jean’s passing in 2000.

Willard grew up in Lebanon and graduated from Lebanon High School in 1950. Willard and Jean lived in Lincoln, NE and Smith Center, KS before settling in Stockton. Willard worked for Milt Boethin before starting his own plumbing business, Atwill Plumbing and Heating, in Stockton which he ran for many years until he retired. He also ran a skating rink in the summer for two years.

Willard loved to go gambling, especially in the Topeka area, and loved the many trips taken with his nephew Dave. They visited all 47 towns named Lebanon in the United States. He loved the St. Louis Cardinals and enjoyed going to the World Series games and was present at the longest World Series game in history at Busch Stadium.

Willard is survived by his children, Arthur “Art” Atwill of Kimberling City, MO, Jerry (Dick Nyp) Atwill of Wamego, KS, Nancy (Robert) Williams of Stockton, Tammy Atwill of Stockton, Gail Atwill of Phoenix, AZ, Lori (Robert) VanEaton of Norton, KS, and Richard (Shawna) Atwill of Sedgwick, KS; son-in-law Bob Riffel of Stockton: sister-in-law Judy Hanson of Hardy, NE; 12 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Preceding Willard in death are his parents; wife Jean; daughter Susan; brothers Ralph, Eugene, and Art Atwill; and sisters Rita Holding, Ada Atwill, Marqueite Atwill, Lucille, Lona, Lois, and Evelyn.

A graveside service will be held on March 28, 2024, at 11AM at the Stockton City Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Solomon Valley Manor or American Cancer Society and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. 1st, Stockton, KS 67669.