THOMAS ARLIE WILLIS

LAMAR- A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 22, at Konantz Warden Funeral Home for Thomas Arlie Willis, 80, Lamar, who died April 23, 2024.

Survivors include his girlfriend, Cheryl Potter, Lamar; children, Kimberly Murphy and husband Dennis, Surprise, Ariz., Cindy Phillips, Corsicana, Texas and Tom Willis, Golden City; bonus daughters, Bobby Knox and husband Zac, Liberal and Betty Counts, Steelville; grandchildren, Nathaneal Clark and wife Karen, Nicole McReynolds and husband Brice, Melandra Eccher and husband Colton, Jordyn Price and husband Tyler, Tyler Willis, Danaiza Lane and Bronson Murphy and wife Heather; eight great-grandchildren; siblings, Aaron Willis and wife Cindy, Sharon Willis, Pam Ingle and husband Vernell and John Willis and wife Katrina and several beloved nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris Willis and brothers, David Willis and Richard Willis.

Mr. Willis was born in Albany, Calif., to Arlie Walter and Marjorie Louise (Hunt) Willis. He was a graduate of Golden City High School after which he made his living as a cabinetmaker. He met his wife Doris Farnsworth in Sunnyslope, Ariz. and they made a life together as they moved with their three children to Oregon, Washington, Arizona and Missouri, before separating in later years. He married Tammy Barnicle in 1997 and had two bonus daughters. The two separated in 2003.

His life-travels provided research for his book, Boston Cowboy, that he published in 2018. While writing and editing his book he met his partner, Cheryl Potter. The couple stayed together for the last several years of his life.

Anyone that knew him, knew his real passion was music - specifically bluegrass and gospel. He was part of several musical groups that played in Milford, Red Oak, the Lamar Free Fair and other places all over the area.