Raymond Lyle Willson

Raymond Lyle Willson was born on June 26, 1947, the son of Walter Thomas Willson, Sr. and Margie (Cooke) Willson in Smithland, Iowa. He was baptized into the Christian Church in Onawa. Raymond received his education from Maple Valley High School in Mapleton. In August of 1968, Ray was drafted into the United States Army and served in the Vietnam war. Prior to his honorable discharge, he received many valiant awards including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge with two overseas bars, and he was recognized as a sharpshooter.

Ray married Norma Tibbetts on February 14, 1974, at the First United Methodist Church in Denison. The couple was blessed with one daughter, Tammy. Ray worked as a welder at Gomaco in Ida Grove. He enjoyed fishing and hunting and watching western TV shows. He was a handyman and knew how to use any tool. People will remember seeing him at Ampride buying coffee and scratch tickets. Above all, he cherished spending time with his family.

Ray passed away on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at the Crawford County Memorial Hospital in Denison at the age of 76 years, three months and two days.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Tom Willson; and sister, Janice Zobel. He is survived by his wife of over 49 years, Norma Willson of Denison; daughter, Tammy (Dean) Boell of Denison; five grandchildren: Christopher Willson of Holstein, Brittney Larson (Tim Bugh) of Vail, Autumn Hack (Humberto Bravo) of Manilla, Brett Powell and his son, Grayson of Dow City, Brady (Hailey) Boell of Onawa; seven great-grandchildren: Jaxson, Draven, Eric, Emerson, Aiden, Julian, Grayson; twin brother, Richard (Nancy) Willson of Colorado Springs, Colorado; brother, Mike (Sharon) Willson of Holstein; and many other relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Monday, October 2, 2023, at the Huebner Funeral Home in Denison. Memorials may be directed to the family.