Willis R. Martin

WILLIS R. "WILLIE" MARTIN, one of three sons born to Ray L. and Venice Massey Martin, was born August 31, 1949 in Competition, Missouri and left the troubles of this world behind, surrounded by his family, November 20, 2021, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of seventy-two years.
After graduating from high school, Willie joined the United States Army and proudly served our country for a period of time. Upon returning home, he became an auto parts distributor for D&A Distributing, owning and operating his own truck. His co-workers at D&A and the clients he had over the years became dear friends. He never met a stranger and that was evident in every relationship he had.
Although he worked hard, he also played hard. He was a Corvette enthusiast and NASCAR fan. He also supported local racing with the Capps family in his younger years. However, with rod and reel in hand or coon hunting was most likely where he could be found.
Willie was a constant prankster. He was full of stories and deliberately made friends laugh uncontrollably. He found great joy in embarrassing his family, all in love of course, but also as often as possible. He was the epitome of "girl dad" and nothing came before his girls, they were his greatest accomplishment. He was a proud grandpa and biggest supporter of all their activities. Time spent with them is what he treasured most.
Willie is survived by two daughters, Ellen Visconte and her husband David of Marshfield, MO and Brittany Smith and her husband Brian, also of Marshfield, MO; four grandchildren, Victoria, Christopher and Nicholas Visconte and Shelby Smith; nephew, Greg Martin and his family; niece, Angie Boatwright and her husband Jason and their family, all of the Kansas City area; ex-wife and friend, Eileen Busick as well as all of the Clark family; countless other long-time friends and family, including, Paul Lowery and family, Dale Admire and family, Ron Richards and family, Rick Price and family and Larry Price and family, and Daryl Capps and family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Wally and Wayne; and one nephew, Tim Martin.
Willie was the kind of person you could meet once and remember forever. His laughter was infectious and zest for life unmatched. His mischievous grin was typically followed by a joke and a twinkle in those crystal blue eyes, which was just a reflection of his love. Our lives our better because of people like Willie, the ones that make us know we are loved unconditionally are the hardest to say "see you later" to. But aren't we blessed to have known someone who so perfectly fits that description until we are reunited.
*Memorials have been suggested to Willie's family. Donations can be left at or made to Shadel's Colonial Chapel,
P.O. Box 948 or 1001 N. Lynn, Lebanon, MO 65536*
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Willis R. "Willie" MARTIN, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.