Russ Willsey

Russell D. "Russ" Willsey, age 92, of Waco, formerly of West, passed away early Wednesday morning, January 18, 2023 at Providence Hospice Place in Waco.

A rosary will be recited 6:00 p.m. Monday at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel in West, followed by visitation until 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, with Rev. Ed Karasek as celebrant. Military Graveside Rites will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, conducted by the West Veterans Honor Guard.

Russ was born May 31, 1930 in Greenwood, Missouri, the son of John and Grace (Dortch) Willsey. He attended schools in Pleasant Hill, Missouri and was a 1948 graduate of Pleasant Hill High School. On April 28, 1952 he was united in marriage to Shirley Easley in Arkansas. Russ served his country as a Sergeant First Class with the United States Army from 1948 until 1954 and was a proud Korean War veteran. Russ was a member of St. Jerome Catholic Church in Waco. He served the City of West as a Councilman and Mayor from 1995 to 2007. He was also a member of the West Volunteer Fire Department, Westfest Associate Director, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #4819 where he was a former commander, Knights of Columbus Council #2305, Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Msgr. George Doskocil Assembly #2391, the Waco Masonic Lodge, and the Men's Acts Retreat. He worked for United States Department of Agriculture for 31 years as the Assistant Director of the USDA Food and Nutrition Services before retiring in 1980 when they moved to West and worked for Sykora Family Ford in West for several years. Russ enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, and loved volunteering. He loved spending time with his family, especially his great granddaughter, Baylor.

Russ is preceded in death by his parents and a son-in-law, David Bauer.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 70 years, Shirley Willsey; two daughters, Cathy Willsey and Martha Bauer; grandsons, Brady Bauer, Brian Bauer and wife Presley, and John David Jacobs; a great granddaughter, Baylor Bauer; a sister, Nancy Anderson; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers are Ronnie Sykora, Kenny Sykora, Brian Sykora, Larry Sykora, Darrin Banik, and Ray Rochester.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Community Healthcare Hospice in Waco, St. Mary's School Wish List in West, or the charity of your choice.