Willis Herron

Willis Earl Herron, 82, passed away peacefully at home on July 11, 2007, after a courageous battle with heart disease. He was born Jan. 23, 1925, in London, Ky. He was the son of the late Layton B. and Edna Herron. Willis was so proud of his large, loving family, many of whom were with him throughout his final days. His childhood years were spent growing up in Corbin, Ky., where he graduated from Corbin High School and attended Union College and the University of Louisville. Willis proudly enlisted in the Air Force in 1943 and served as a crew chief on a B-24. After the war, he moved his family to Barstow where he opened two restaurants, The Bun Boy Coffee Shop and Wills Steak House. A short while later, he recognized the business potential in Baker. While expanding his business interests there, he quickly became a major factor in guiding the growth and development of the Baker community. A few of his investments included The Bun Boy, Golden Choya Motel, The Country Store, several gas stations and Wills Fargo Motel. Willis continued to operate his established business interests for more than 40 years, all the while expanding and including new investments. In 1990, the original Bun Boy burned down and with his dear friend, John Territo, from Territo Construction in Phoenix, Ariz., Willis rebuilt a new and larger Bun Boy restaurant. As an added attraction, he included a gift shop which surrounded a 134-foot thermometer. "The World's Tallest Thermometer" is still recognized as one of the world's most unique landmarks, drawing thousands of people each year to marvel at its amazing construction and the vision behind the project.Willis was a high-profile resident in the High Desert for decades, involving himself in business and the community. In his leisure, he enthusiastically pursued his passion for golf, traveling around the world with his precious wife, Barbara and enjoying the many championship courses he played. But for Willis, home was where his heart was and he was never happier than playing golf in Barstow at the Sun and Sky Golf Course or in Apple Valley and Silver Lakes with family and friends. Willis was a rare individual who had an unsurpassed zest for life. He particularly treasured his loving family and was a steadfast source of wisdom and joy for them during their lives. His family especially valued his spirit and sense of humor and he will be deeply missed by all who loved him. Willis is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara; his sister, Wanda Bell; six devoted children, Mimi Curran, Suzanne Selvy, John Herron, Terri Luth, Janice Neisess and LaRae Harguess; 12 loving grandchildren, Brian Jensen, Melinda Shannon, Megan Selvy, Eric Street, David Lindley, Nick, Josh and Matthew Luth, Danny and Andrew Neisess and Scott and Justin Harguess; five adoring great-grandchildren and many friends and family who shared his life. Rest in peace. A visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Sunset Hills Memorial Chapel, 24000 Waalew Road in Apple Valley. Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Sunset Hills Memorial Chapel with interment to follow services. A reception will follow at the Apple Valley Country Club, 15200 Rancherias Road in Apple Valley.Ê Sunset Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary is handling arrangements. In Willis Herron's honor, donations may be made to the Willis Herron Memorial Golf Scholarship at Desert Community Bank, 16003 Quantico Road, Apple Valley, CA 92307.