Walter Willoughby

Walter Willoughby, SR., age 85 of Purcell and formerly of Tulsa, passed away Tuesday, January 28, 2020. Walter Eugene Willoughby was born October 11, 1934 in Chattanooga, TN, the 2nd of 9 children born to Robert Franklin Willoughby and Rosa Bell (Crisp) Willoughby. He was raised in Chattanooga and attended school there. At age 17, Gene answered the call to serve, and joined the United States Air Force, and served his country proudly. While in the service, he became acquainted with a young lady named Barbara Nell McElroy. He was bunkmates with her cousin, and they began writing each other. These letters would lead him to her, and they eventually met. Gene had found his best friend and life partner, and he married Barbara on September 10, 1954, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They made their home primarily in Tulsa, where Gene pursued a career in drafting. He worked mainly with refineries and power plants, and spent years perfecting his craft. He left his mark in many ways throughout the industry. He retired from two companies, Techno Therm CO. and NooterErickson after many years of dedicated service. When he wasn't working, Gene enjoyed playing card games, and he was a gamer when playing poker, and he looked forward to a good game of dominos with family and friends. He was an avid sports fan, and particularly loved watching a good baseball game, and never missed an opportunity to play a round of golf. Gene was a family man, and he cherished his grandchildren. He will be truly missed! He was preceded in death by: His wife of more than 62 years, Barbara "Barbie" Willoughby; His parents, Robert and Rosa Bell Willoughby and Siblings, Duffy Willoughby, Margaret Hatcher, Minnie Holloway, Ellen Weller and Robert Willoughby. Gene is survived by: His daughter, Karen Rotert of Tulsa; Sons, Walter Eugene Willoughby Jr and wife Susan of Denver, CO and Chris Willoughby and wife Jeni of Purcell; Sister, Fran Brumlow of Chattanooga, TN; Brothers, Charles Willoughby and wife Sherry of Nashville, TN and Jimmy Willoughby and wife Glenda of Chattanooga; 3 grandchildren, Tommy Rotert, Mark Willoughby and Matt Willoughby; 8 great grandchildren, Seth Rotert, Sara Rotert, Brea Willoughby, Shae Willoughby, Finli Willoughby, Kirsten Willoughby, Jackson Willoughby and Brooke Willoughby, and A host of other family and friends. Funeral Services are scheduled for 11:00 A.M. Monday, February 3, 2020, at the Wilson-Little Funeral Home Chapel. Interment is scheduled for 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, February 4, 2020, at the Fort Gibson National Cemetery. Send online condolences @ www.wilsonlittle.com.

Walter Willoughby

October 11, 1934 - January 28, 2020