Joe Frank Willard, 83, of Plainview, Tx and Bokchito, Okla went home to be with his Heavenly Father, on the 3rd of September, 2020, at the age of 83.
Joe Frank was born southeast of Celina in what was then the Twin Bridges community on October 7, 1936, the 2nd of 3 children of R.L. and Joe Faye Kirkland Willard. He grew up at Alla Hubbard community, this is where he met, fell in love with, and eventually married his neighbor across the pasture, Janice Lee Merritt. He graduated Valedictorian of the class of 1955 and also attended Austin College and lacked only 7 hours completing his degree but left to work to provide for his family. He farmed in the Celina area and was an Implement trader.
In the mid ‘80’s Joe Frank and Janice left Celina to start a new chapter in their lives in Plainview, Tx. Years later they also purchased a farm in Bokchito, Okla and split their time between Bokchito and Plainview. They spent many happy years part-time at the farm with family and friends especially on Holidays and family reunions. Joe Frank and Janice attended the 82nd and V. Street Church of Christ in Lubbock.
Joe Frank is survived by his wife Janice, daughter Linda Jones and husband Kenneth of Greenville, son Jim Bob Willard and wife Denise of Gunter, daughter Ginger Lanham and husband Jack of Collinsville, son Keith Willard and wife Mary of Celina and son Kemp Willard of Pottsboro. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren: Weston Willard and wife Rebecca, Dillon Willard, Luke Willard and wife Lilly, Justin Lanham and wife Jordan, Jarod Lanham and wife Morgan, Garth Willard and wife Kalynn, and 7 great-grandchildren.
Joe Frank was preceded in death by his parents R.L. & Joe Faye Willard, sister Judy Willard, brother Jerry Bob Willard, children Baby Boy Willard and Joe Frank Willard Jr., grandson, Zachery Willard and great-granddaughter Remington Lanham.
Due to COVID-19, the family has chosen to have a private graveside burial. He will be buried next to his son, Joe Frank Willard Jr. at Old Celina Cemetery, Celina, Tx.