The Rev. Virgil W. Willits

May 10, 1921 - April 21, 2008

NEWTON, Kan. -- The Rev. Virgil W. Willits, 85, died Monday (April 21, 2008) at Kansas Christian Home in Newton, Kan.

He was born May 10, 1921, in Haverhill, Kan., to Clyde Walter and Nancy Loretta (Hayes) Willits.

On April 2, 1944, he married Virginia Troup at Enid, Okla. He was a minister serving in church in Nebraska, Texas, Oklahoma, Iowa, Colorado, Indiana and Kansas. He retired after serving the Disciples of Christ church for 54 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Nancy Willits and brother, Vernon "Dan" Willits.

Survivors include his wife, Virginia of Newton; sons, Bob and wife, Sharon Willits of Wheeling, Wyo., James Willits of Lincoln and Richard and wife, Sue Cairn of Amherst, Mass.; daughter, Nancy and husband, Carl Helfter of Buffalo, N.Y.; sister-in-law, Maxine Willits of Des Moines, Iowa; brother, Irvin and wife, Marion Willits of Wichita, Kan.; sister, Virginia Mae Hodson of Puyallup, Wash.; eight grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Services will be Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., at Kansas Christian Home Chapel with the Rev. Gary Bell officiating. There will be a private family burial.

Memorials may be given to the Legion of John Fund at Kansas Christian Home or Nebraskans for Peace in care of Petersen Funeral Home 215 N Main, Newton KS 67114.

Petersen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.