Lewis Willis

Lewis Edward Willis was born on the 22nd of October 1950 at General Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri to Elizabeth A. Willis. He was the oldest of three children. He was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth A. Willis; and son Terrell Black.

Lewis’s early childhood was that of a typical family filled with fun, laughter, challenges, and love for each other. As a child, he was raised at 803 Pacific, Kansas City, Missouri and had many friends.  He was a best friend to his siblings, always encouraging, supporting, and caring.  He was an excellent athlete and often participated in competitive boxing. His skills in boxing lead to him winning a regional tournament Golden Glove trophy. He also enjoyed football, music, looking sharp and performing automotive body repairs.

Lewis was a Kansas City area resident for most of his life. He attended Karnes Elementary School, Manual High School until 1969 and completed heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) certification at Penn Valley Community College. He served in the U.S. Army in 1970 and achieved the rank of Private. He was a Vietnam Era Veteran. He was injured on duty and received an honorable discharge in 1971.

Lewis worked over 50 years as a Superintendent in Building Maintenance. He loved his work and was very good at his trade. He retired from Sterling Plaza, Independence, Missouri in 2018 at the age of 68.

Lewis was united in marriage to Linda Cason (Watson) and to this union a daughter was born – Yolanda; the marriage was later dissolved. His union with Gwendolyn Black brought more blessings of Terrell, Lashon, Lewis, James, and William.

Lewis will always be known as a father who loved his children, grand and great grandchildren, a wonderful son, caring brother, uncle, and friend.  He is greatly loved and missed by all.

Lewis is survived by his children, Yolanda Mckinzy (Lester), Lashon Jones (Eric), Lewis Black (Barbara), James Black (Alicia), William Willis (Rionna); granddaughters, Clarissa Washington, Terrial Reid, Daysia Black, Nevaeh Black, Nyla Black, Peyton Black; grandsons, Eric Jones II, Elin Jones, Zavion Willis, Liam Willis, Jayden Black; and great-grandchildren Nevaeh Henderson, Paris Wilson, Jason Reid, Tavias Reid, Alaya Reid; brother James Willis; and sister Edna Willis,  several nieces, nephews, and his special friend, Kimberly Rhodes.

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