Willis Dearing

Willis Junior Dearing, 88, passed away Friday March 22 at the Freeman Hospital in Joplin, MO, surrounded by his family. Junior was born May 16, 1924 in Barton County Missouri to Willis R. and Sada Williams Dearing. Junior Joined the United States Navy in 1942 and proudly served until 1946. He worked stateside with the Navy's dive bomber program and later was a part of the original crew of the aircraft carrier, the USS Boxer Association. After coming home from the Navey he began working as an over the road truck driver. Through the years he worked for Lawn Boy, Sun Oil Company and Thorco before retiring. He married Dorothy Louise Brauburger, September 18, 1948. They had two Children, Sue and Gene, and opened their home to their nephew, Don. Junior was a member of the First Christian Church and the local VFW. He was a regular member of the detail that provided Military Honors at the grave side for his fallen veteran comrades. He enjoyed his family, taking walks and bike rides, visiting with his neighbors, maintaining his yard and he especially enjoyed putting in a garden and sharing his home grown produce. Survivors include his wife Dorothy, of the home, his daughter Sue Dearing of Kansas City, MO, his son Gene Dearing of Liberal, MO, his nephew, Don Peterson of Golden City; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; his sister Virginia Potter of Lamar, MO and a Brother Jewell Dearing of Springfield, MO, Junior was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers Claude, Sterling and George Dearing. He will be greatly missed by his family, neighbors and friends.