Willis Ray Moten
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Graveside services for Willis Ray Moten, 80, Lawrence, will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence, KS. Willis passed away Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at his home.
Willis was born on May 23, 1940 in Ottawa, KS, the son of Clyde Lewis and Tessie Rosetta (Vann) Moten.
Willis married Candace Kay Schwindt on March 15, 1972 in Lawrence, KS. Candace survives of the home.
Other survivors include his children; Jeffery Len Moten, Genarro Raphael (Melissa) Moten, Candra Kai (Ivica) Šimac, Danya Rei Moten, grandchildren; Jeffon Moten, Jisaiah Moten, Luka Šimac, Marko Šimac, brother, William Gilbert Moten and sister, Lavenia Cooper.
Willis was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and one sister.
Willis worked at Stokely Van Camp until it closed. He then worked for the City of Lawrence Sanitation Department until he was injured in 1999 and retired in 2005.
Willis was very forthright about his love for God and The Holy Spirit He lived his daily life in the light of the Lord, believing that he was on this Earth to do at least one good deed every day. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Willis was a Golden Gloves Boxer, enjoyed fishing, cooking, and playing and watching basketball and other sports. After his retirement, he spent time volunteering at the Senior Center and enjoyed meeting friends for coffee.
Willis will be lying in state from 3:00 – 7:00pm, Monday, June 22, 2020 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
The family suggests memorials in his name sent to the American Lung Association or the American Cancer Society and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Dear Candace, God bless you and your dear family. You and Willis were the kindest neighbors to my father, Bill Conboy, for many years. I appreciate you and thank you.
Candace, so sorry and sad to see Willis has left this world.He was a fantastic guy he was and always happy when he’d see you and you’d pick up where you left off.what a good guy man you had so blessed,and the funMike and Willis had when they would mow in the cemetery years ago!May God watch over your family in your time .of loss!????????????????
Willis will be sadly missed. My cousin was one of the best most fun loving person you could ever know. He never showed nothing but respect for anyone. I loved him with all my heart. May you rest in Heaven cousin.
To all the Family and families of
Mr.Willis Moten prayers goes up and out for y’all in the name of Jesus Christ amen amen ????
Chris and Jim Baze:
Dear Candace: Chris and I send condolences to you and your family.
Remember fondly discussing Jayhawk Basketball fortunes with Willis at our office parties. We will be thinking of you on these very difficult days.
Dear Candace I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Willis was like a brother to me.
Willie williams
I have known Willis over 40 yrs! Was funny, A good guy. loved to sit at Perkins and gab with friends! My prayers go to his family! Everyone who knew him will miss him so much! That big smile! RIP my dear friend!
Candace and family,
So sorry for your loss. May the Lord provide all you need during this time and always.
Bobby & Kathy White
To the Moten family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Willis was such a great person and so thoughtful towards others. He will be missed but never forgotten.
Alfred and Elizabeth Cooper; To Candace and the Moten family ours deepest condolences
Our sincere Condolences to the Willis Moten family! Keeping you in your thoughts and prayers!! God be with you, Stephanie & Doug Bennett
My sincere condolences to all of the moten family. I have known willis since the sixties when we worked together at Bennets Creamery together. Really enjoyed being around him as he had many stories to tell. Also had ties to gilbert as i played music with Dale Anderson(Nip) at the Place in Garnett Ks. where Bobby and Gilbert used to sing. That has been many years ago and brings back many memories of my ties to the family. Willis will be missed, my prayers and thoughts are with you during this time.
Although I only knew Willis for a brief time in 1971, he was always an upbeat, positive and happy soul. RIP So sorry for your loss Candace.