Willard Allen Stockwell, 84
Our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Willard Allen Stockwell, 84, passed away on Monday, Oct. 22, 2007, at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center from severe trauma and injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. He was born on July 14, 1923, to Walter Emmit and Minnie Catherine (Ersenhower) Stockwell.
Willard was drafted into the United States Army in 1942. He served active duty in the European Theater as technician fourth grade in the 138th Ordinance Heavy Maintenance Field Army company. He received the American Theater Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the European/African/Middle-Eastern Theater Service Medal. He was honorably discharged from the Army in March of 1946.
He then returned to Kalispell and went to work for the Montana State Highway Department for 30 years, retiring in 1982.
Willard faithfully served his community as fire marshal at South Kalispell Volunteer Fire Department for 18 years, after which time he had to retire from his position due to lung and breathing difficulties. During the mid-1980s, Willard also served as a school bus driver for Flathead Valley School District No. 5, where he transported students on various bus routes as well as to many sporting events and other school-related activities around the state.
Willard was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. Firearms and hunting were his favorite pastimes. He taught Hunter's Safety for more than 30 years, where he passed on his vast knowledge of guns and hunting as well as the importance of honorable sportsmanship to hundreds of young people in the Flathead Valley.
Willard had a unique and humorous ability to transpose letters and words in a way that endeared him to all who knew him. On one occasion upon returning from a hunting trip he said, 'I didn't see any bucks, just a Foe and a dawn!' Because of this a new acquaintance once asked a family member what nationality Willard was! He was a devoted and loving husband and father, a beloved brother and a friend to all. He will be greatly missed.
Willard is survived by his wife, Phyllis, of Kalispell; three sons, Frank Stockwell of Spokane, Bob Long of Seattle, and Michael Long of Kalispell; and two daughters, Linda Long and Lisa Burton, both of Kalispell. He is also survived by three siblings, Howard Stockwell and Patricia Nelson, both of Kalispell, and John Stockwell of Las Vegas; along with numerous grandchildren.
Funeral services for Willard will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 25, in the Johnson Mortuary Chapel with Pastor Jim Davey officiating. Burial will follow in the C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery.
Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Willard's family. You are invited to go to www.johnsonmortuary.com to offer condolences and sign Willard's guest book.