Jerry Willett

Jerry Glenn Willett, age 75, of Mexia passed away at Parkview Regional Hospital on January 27, 2006, following several surgeries and a lengthy illness. Rev. Max Burkhead of First United Methodist Church will conduct services on Sunday afternoon at 2:00 P.M. at Blair- Stubbs Chapel. Family visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Saturday at the funeral home. Son of Robert J. and Mary Grace (Black) Willett, Jerry was born at Dew, TX in Freestone County on July 17, 1930. He attended Dew Elementary, then Teague High School, graduating in 1947. During high school and his years attending Sam Houston State, he worked in his father's store and/or feed and fertilizer business. Upon graduation, he started teaching Airplane and Engine Mechanics at Sheppard AFB, resigning in 1952 to join the Air Force. He was stationed at Sheppard AFB, Ashiya AB, Japan, and James Conally AFB, TX as military personnel. As a civilian he returned to Sheppard in 1956, before being assigned as Education Director at Laredo AFB. Later he was director of Education at March AFB, CA; Ramey AFB, Puerto Rico; Biggs AFB, TX; White Sands Missile Range, Reese AFB, TX and Bergstrom AFB, TX. He retired in 1986 with 35 years of service. In addition, he took graduate study programs at Midwestern University, U.T.E.P., Texas Tech University, and University of Texas. His parents and his brother Harold M. Willett are deceased. Jerry is survived by his wife of 51 years, Lois Owens Willett. Also, by his son Robert J. Willett and wife Kit of Mexia, and his daughter Glenda Willett Verden and husband Jerry of Cedar Park, TX. Grandchildren are Tabitha Willett, Joshua Willett, and Kortney Kelsey of Mexia, and Amanda Verden of Cedar Park. His niece is Paula Willett Swinburn and husband Dale of Teague and Jerry Melton Willett and wife Sally of Lorena, plus numerous other relatives and friends.