Willie Preacher
1952 - 2015
Willie Preacher
1952 - 2015
Obituary
Guest Book
Willie Preacher Obituary
Willie was born September 28, 1952 in Blackfoot, Idaho, to Wilson and Irene Preacher. He grew up "Down Bottoms" playing with his 2 brothers and 2 sisters where they spent time as a family living with their grandmother Sarah Pokibro in their cabin and during hay season camped out along Spring Creek.
Willie graduated from Blackfoot High School in 1970 and took classes at the University of Idaho until he started working at the Idaho Chemical Processing Plant in 1973 as an operator. Willie worked at the INEEL where he became a trainer until 1997. He was the hired by The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes as a liaison between the Tribes and the Department of Energy. Willie became director of the Tribal DOE program which allowed him to travel and serve on many committees for nuclear waste transportation and other energy issues. He took great pride in his career and respected the people he worked with.
Willie knew his talent for art at a young age, and continued to develop his skills as he drew and began oil painting under the mentorship of Gloria Dillard.
Besides being a talented artist, Willie loved to hunt, fish, golf, and play pool. He was a skilled player around the pool table and enjoyed weekly leagues and tournaments. He served as the Fort Hall Men's Golf president for several summers and enjoyed his Sunday mornings golfing with his friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilson and Irene Preacher; his sister Evelyn Wheeler; half-brother, Delbert Farmer; and half-sister Marcella Mosho.
He is survived by a half-sister, Janice Santanus; and a brother, Lloyd Preacher Sr. and numerous nieces and nephews.
Prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, August 25, 2015 at Hawker Funeral Home, 132 S. Shilling Ave., Blackfoot. Following prayer service Willie will be taken to Lenora Lavatta's residence on West Trouchot Road. Traditional burial services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, August 27, 2015 at Gibson Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at: www.hawkerfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Peggy Gargas
August 7, 2024
I knew Willie Preacher at ICPP and was told he died in the tank cleaning criticality of 1990. So glad he had more time than that!
T Gavin
May 10, 2021
I was actually a step-son.
Willie was nothing but a great and proud man.
I am a better man from knowing him.
Marguerite Hartman
August 18, 2019
Last month I was unfortunately disabled by breaking my right hip...while in rehab, I was able to talk with a man that was Willies boss at the INL..had lots of good things to say about him and we had some good memories..
Dean Monroe
September 18, 2015
such a really dear man, concerned and caring, I heard he'd recently been much healthier looking but I guess he lost the fight, we were all better for knowing him.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Bekki
September 7, 2015
My sweet Mister, today I cleaned the house. Chief & LuLu followed me up & down the stairs. I think I finally wrangled up all your socks, shorts, shirts & shoes for Tammy to take care of. I miss your laughter & silliness. I miss your smile. I miss you. Love, Tooner-babe
Rand Ricks
September 2, 2015
Willie was a bridge. I worked closely with him in the INL training department for a time and valued his unique insight and humor. i am saddened by his passing. I think of him often. My condolences to the family. As you know, he was a great m an.
Betsy Holmes
August 31, 2015
I worked with Willie quite a bit over the years on various environmental programs. I always enjoyed working with Willie. He was always sunny with a smile and had kind words. I enjoyed hearing his stories about working at CPP, and his dedication and pride in the work he performed for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes was obvious. I will miss him and I send my sympathies to his family and friends for their loss.
Lorraine Edmo
August 31, 2015
Willie was a kind and talented man who contributed a lot to the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes. His artwork was unique and should be treasured. He had true compassion for tribal people as well as the environment. Rest in peace Willie. We will visit on the other side one day.
Lorraine Edmo, Annandale, VA
Jo'Etta Plumes
August 27, 2015
Remembering your laughter
Beatrice Brailsford
August 27, 2015
Willie Preacher was a fine man. The way he discussed his work at the Chem Plant and his perspectives about INL was very valuable to me and to the Snake River Alliance. He and his brother Delbert Farmer and many others did a lot to strengthen the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes in their dealings with the DOE. I will miss him.
Traci Mockli
August 27, 2015
Willie has always held a warm spot in my heart. There were many stories and great advice from my wise friend Willie. We continued our friendship long after the Chem Plant but I had lost contact with him over the last years. I had a silly nickname for Willie that started back at the Chem Plant and somehow he turned it into our greeting whenever we saw each other Mossberger. I will surely always miss you Mossberger.
Judith Simonson-ranes
August 26, 2015
I remember Willie well, he was such a wonderful person. Each time I came home if there was a chance of running into him it was a great time. I am so very sorry for your loss but know you can celebrate the much priceless time with him.
May god help and comfort you in this time and always
Judith simonson-Ranes
David Borak
August 26, 2015
I worked with Willie for many years through his work with the Department of Energy. His tireless fight for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes was an inspiration. I learned so much from him. He was a friend and a mentor. I will miss him
A. M.
August 26, 2015
My sympathy goes out to the family during your time of grief. May God's loving-kindness comfort you and help you through this difficult time.
(Psalm 119:50,76)
Natalie Steffler
August 26, 2015
You are loved and will be remembered .
Natalie Steffler
August 26, 2015
You are loved and will be remembered .
Brenda Kamka
August 26, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with all those who are suffering the loss of Willie Preacher. It is so hard to part with one you love, but I know one day a great reunion will bring greater joy than we can now imagine.
Kristen Jensen
August 26, 2015
I was touched by Willie's kindness through being a member of the CAB with him. I could always ask him a question and he would help me understand. He will be deeply missed.
This is a beautiful rose for a wonderful man
Ted and Sue Gavin
August 25, 2015
We love you with all our hearts. Now you can RIP Willie Your Dearest Friend and Step Son and his Wife and kids and grandson. The Gavins.
Desirée Chesebro-Moeller
August 25, 2015
Willie, you had the ability to see the beauty in everything and in everyone. My prayers to your family, for you will be missed. Rest in peace.
Trudy Elleman
August 25, 2015
RIP Willie. You were a great mixed doubles partner. Loved playing pool with you. And I love you art!
ARMENA FRED
August 25, 2015
SENDING PRAYERS AND LOVE TO FAMILY/FRIENDS OF WILLIE'S. He was a great person spirit and soul..He is soaring with eagles now healed and happy,with the greatest veiws you could ever paint or imagine..Fly high friend..See you one day soon!
Sue Betty
August 25, 2015
May you have a peaceful journey. I will miss your pool advice. I will cherish the two beautiful paintings I have. My thoughts and prayers for your family.
Roxanne Hale
August 25, 2015
Willie, you said Roxanne I have the sickness. My heart was shattered when I learned you had walked on before I could say good- bye. I will remember you always as a great artist but also a wonderful friend. Go with God my Brother.
Bill Harker
August 25, 2015
Willie was a friend to all and a respected voice of reason for interaction between the INL and the Shoshone-Bannock Tribe. His service to all he came in contact was evident and valued.
owen thornell
August 25, 2015
rest in peace friend.and our prayers are with you all.
Nita Johl
August 25, 2015
Willie passed in the way he would have wanted, surrounded by friends and family ...mostly beautiful strong women. We will miss you dear friend. love and prayers to Bekki, Tammy and the rest of your family.
Love Flying J, MoJo Nixon, Jess the Mess, The Cook and the Two Soldiers
Mike Sumpter
August 25, 2015
Rest in peace my friend. Will miss you and your pool game.
Angela Mendez
August 25, 2015
Willie you will be remembered for your beautiful drawings and gentle caring ways. May God bless your family and friends during this time of loss.
Marsha Morgan
August 25, 2015
I knew Willy from the pool leagues. He was such an easy person to like. The world will miss him.
Nancy Bergmann
August 25, 2015
Willie, you have always had a special place in my heart. I will always remember the special talks we had and how much you loved the cruise with us. We shared many wonderful memories working together and as special friends. You wonderful spirit and love will always be remembered. Love you my dear friend.
Bob & Barb Parris
August 25, 2015
Willie was such a nice man. Friendly, kind, funny, and such great talent. You will be greatly missed.
Billie Ellsworth
August 25, 2015
Willie you were a kind and gentle person who will be missed by all who knew you. Thank you for your patience in trying to teach me to play pool. Rest in peace my dear friend until we meet again.
vern & veda Pannel
August 25, 2015
Willie was a good friend to all who knew him. A very talented man, he will be missed by all,who knew him. R.I.P our friend. Vern and Veda pannel.
Richard Frasure
August 25, 2015
Rest in peace Willie. My prayer are with your family
Ann Anthony (Kuck)
August 25, 2015
I first met Willie at the site, Rwmc as a trainer. Loved his attitude about everything. Loved his talent at painting and recently his dog stories. Rip my friend.
Ruth Miller
August 25, 2015
You will be missed my friend.
August 24, 2015
Rest In Paradise
Shirley Codding
August 24, 2015
I worked with Willie for many years at ICPP and he was such a joy to be around. He will be missed by so many whose lives he touched.
I pray the family finds peace and comfort knowing that Willie is happy and in greater realm of being.
Larry Krieger
August 24, 2015
I will always remember my friend Willie, as a compassionate and giving soul. May the Great White Father welcome him home.
Kesley Edmo
August 24, 2015
Willie,
I will dearly miss you my old friend and I fondly remember the good times we shared in our younger years at Fort Hall and at the University of Idaho. May you be at peace and know that you will always be remembered as a dear friend and a talented artist who contributed greatly to our Sho-Ban community.
Micquelene "myke" Anderson
August 24, 2015
Willie..I will miss the beauty you seen in all things an the smile you shared with everyone. I will definately miss your bigfoot stories.
August 24, 2015
Willie, I enjoyed our quiet, private conversations. May you find peace and continue to paint beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
marguerite hartman
August 24, 2015
Willie..I will miss your fine face and great art..you shall go on to bigger and better team to fly with..
Edward Wagner
August 24, 2015
Willie, we shared many memories from our time working together at the Chem Plant. You will be remembered for your kindness, your sense of humor, and your hard work. I greatly enjoyed your art! All bodies must die, but your Spirit lives on, old friend!
Albert Barros
August 24, 2015
RIP my friend. Condolences and prayers to the family.
Ray/Linda Proctor
August 24, 2015
Willie, such a kind, gentle, talented, amazing man. You are a friend to many and will be missed by all. You will remain in our hearts forever. You are free now to run, soar free without pain.
Thank you, Bekki, for caring for our friend the last years of his life.
Your job, Willie, ..... Painting beautiful sunsets for God.
My condolences to all !
Janet Neitzel
August 24, 2015
Willie you were loved by many. You will be missed by many. Glad you are free to fly now.
We will think of you always and remember your kind nature, your incredible skill as an artist and the quiet one around the pool room.
RIP My Friend. .until we meet again.
Showing 1 - 50 of 50 results
132 South Shilling Ave., Blackfoot, ID 83221
Make a Donation
in Willie Preacher's name
How to support Willie's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Willie Preacher's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
