Willis Gene O'Bleness

Willis Gene O’Bleness was born to George Vernon O’Bleness and Bertha Mae (Blakeley) O’Bleness on April 24, 1944 in Springdale, Arkansas. He finished high school in Ashland, Kansas in 1962. Willis entered the Army on February 16^th, 1965 as a sharpshooter and was discharged in 1966 due to health issues.

In 1968, Willis met the love of his life, Bonnie Kidd on a blind date that lasted until almost 6:00 AM the next morning almost causing Bonnie to be late to her waitressing job at the 160 Café. Willis arrived at the café at the end of her shift to invited Bonnie to go to watch a ballgame. She simply replied, “I have a notation not to talk to you again.” She did end up going out with Willis again that night. This young couple was married on June 19, 1968 which was only the beginning of 51 ½ years of together. Not having any children of their own, they greatly enjoyed having Mandy Barnes a 12-year-old little girl come to live with them until she finished high school.

Willis worked for many local farmers and rancher throughout his life.  He also traveled a lot working for the telephone construction company. For 6 ½ years, he worked at Stoppel Dirt Inc. in Sublette, KS as a dirt scraper.

He enjoyed watching John Wayne westerns, military/ action movies, and sports on TV but preferred to attend the games. Willis enjoyed visiting with others and playing cards such as canasta and pitch. He had many hobbies such as woodworking, woodburning, gardening, and loved to make wall hangings with religious themes for the staff to hang in the offices.

Willis went to be with the Lord on November 23, 2019. He was preceded in death by his parents and bother George Vernon.

He was survived by his wife Bonnie, many family and friends.