Leo "Dude" Leonard Willis, 85, of LaBelle Tx passed away peacefully Friday August 7, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born March 11, 1935 in Salina, Ok to Walter Willis and Emma Meadows Willis. Dude is survived by his Blushing Bride of 67 years, Shirley Willis, daughter, Denise Williams and husband Terry of LaBelle, TX, two sons, Danny Wayne Willis of LaBelle, TX, David Paul Willis and wife Beth of Sour Lake, TX, and sister Fran Craemer and husband Buck of Sand Springs, OK.
Dude was number 6 of 9 children. Buck, Almeta, Dave, Erven, Floyd, Tonie, Bobbie and Fran. His brothers and sisters were all instrumental in raising him, which led to numerous funny stories. He loved them all dearly.
Dude had 9 Grandchildren:
Derek Willis and Wife Abby, Seth Willis and Wife Korry, Katie Borengasser and husband Clay, Dylan Willis, Kendall Walter and husband Mike, Emma Willis, Kameron Williams, Paige Sandlin, and Destiny White.
8 Great Grandchildren:
Zoey, Riley, Finley, James, Hallie, Parker, and soon to arrive Annie and Evie Jo.
Dad could tell you the first time he laid eyes on mom. She was 6 years old running around the yard playing tag with her siblings. He knew he was going to marry her. The High School Sweethearts wed at 18 and never looked back. He drug mom kicking and screaming to Beaumont Texas in 1971 to be the Traffic Superintendent for the city. He lasted 9 years before venturing out into the small business world where he and mom founded D&S Sign in 1980. They helped hundreds of employees and businesses until they retired in 2000. Retirement was boring, he started building greenhouses and later started his last company, The Blind Dude, where he repaired window blinds and enjoyed making new friends.
Dad was a true renaissance man. He was a Master Sign Electrician, welder, pilot, voracious reader, loyal friend, Sertoma Member, and a 46 year Master Mason and Past Worshipful Master with B.F. Quicksall Lodge #1370 in Beaumont. He was also a two time cancer survivor. (He was proud of that).
Overalls were his favorite attire. His Kubota mower was his favorite toy. He loved Honey Buns, bologna, McDonalds and he was Whataburger's most ardent fan. He always had a butterscotch candy in his pocket to share. His work ethic is usually the first thing said when his name is mentioned. Not many could keep up. He was Funny, Kind, Loyal and sometimes an ole fart. He loved Mom and spent his whole life making sure she was happy and taken care of.
Don't cry because it's over...Smile because it happened. Dr. Suess.
The Family will be having a celebration of life in the next few months.
In Lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Forest Park United Methodist Church, in his name. He enjoyed shopping at their Garage Sales!