Robert J. “Bud” Wills

Robert J. "Bud" Wills of Pomona, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, June 3, 2020, at the age of 72. After several months of declining health, Robert died peacefully at home with his wife and daughter by his side.

Robert was born in Ottawa, Kansas, on June 8, 1947, to father Oscar Carlton "Jack" Wills and mother Violet Bernice (Latimer) Wills. He attended Ottawa High School and served as a Boatswain Mate in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. After his service in the Navy, he joined the U.S. Army National Guard, where he retired as Sergeant in 1996.

On January 28, 1967, he married Carol Sue Stratton, the love of his life. On October 21, 1979, they had their daughter, Brandi Wills. Robert was a supervisor at Ottawa Truck, where he worked for 23 years. He was an active member of Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2700, where he served in many positions on the board. He was an excellent cook, and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and gambling.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother John Lee Wills and sister Pauline Joyce (Wills) Turner. He is survived by his wife Carol Sue (Stratton) Wills; daughter Brandi Wills and son-in-law Anthony Michael Philip; sister Rhonda Sue (Wills) King; sister-in-law Judy Stratton; and aunt Rosemary (Cole) Turner.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 11, from 12:30-3pm, at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2700 in Ottawa, Kansas. All are welcome.

People wishing to honor Robert's memory can make donations to Pomona Community Library. Please send all donations to P.O. Box 320, Pomona, KS 66076.