Willis Dale Wainwright, 85, Butler MO, passed away at his home on Sunday, May 6, 2018.  Funeral services were held May 11, 2018 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Adrian, MO with burial in Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Bates County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary or to the First Baptist Church, Archie.

Willis was born March 11, 1933 to Garl and Golda Wainwright in Ballard MO. He graduated from Ballard High School in 1951. Willis was a member of the Adrian First Baptist Church. On Nov 25, 1957 Willis married the love of his life, Beverly June Bradley of Garden City MO. To this union three children were born, daughters Joyce Spangler, Judy Wainwright and son Alan Wainwright.  Willis and Beverly celebrated their 60 ^th wedding anniversary in November of 2017.

Willis served in Germany during the Korean War from 1953 to 1955, rank of PFC. He worked as an installer at AT&T for 28 years and retired in 1984. He was a member of the Grand River Masonic Lodge #276 in Freeman MO. He was also a member of the Adrian Antique Tractor Association. He loved fishing and even made several fly in fishing trips to Canada over the years. His other hobbies included hunting, playing cards, fixing clocks, as well as collecting old knives, coins and fishing gear. Willis and Beverly traveled all over the United States and traveled in Canada and Mexico.

Willis was preceded in death by his brothers, Alvin and Marvin, as well as his sisters, Donna Dicus and Virginia Moore. He is survived by his loving wife, Beverly, of the home; son, Alan Wainwright and his wife, Randia of Adrian MO; two daughters, Judy Wainwright of Clinton MO and Joyce Spangler of Savanna GA; brother, Donnie Wainwright of Lee's Summit MO; two sisters, Waneta Connely of Belton MO and Berniece Sixkiller of Springfield MO. He leaves 7 grandchildren, Misty Spangler, Brad Spangler, Julie Huckleberry, Jessica Wilcox, Jennifer Delp, Caressa Wainwright and Harrison Wainwright, and 7 great-grandchildren. His grandkids were his love and joy. He also leaves many nieces and nephews and lots of friends and family that loved him dearly. He will be missed by all.