David Willats

David Willats, 91, of rural Orchard, died Thursday, Jan. 23. Services were held Monday, Jan. 27, at Cornerstone Bible Church in Orchard.

Ashburn Funeral Home in Orchard was in charge of arrangements.

~~~

David Lloyd George Willats was born to Robert and Florence (Moore) Willats on May 9, 1928, in Orchard. He graduated from Orchard High School in 1945. He was a veteran of the Korean war. David married Dixie Lea Stevens on Nov. 17, 1956. To this union were born two daughters and two sons.

David was a rancher/farmer all his life. He was active in the community, serving on the Orchard school board. He was a chairman for Antelope Mutual Insurance Company and on the weed board for 28 years.

David was a founding member of Orchard Evangelical Free Church and served as a Gideon most of his life. David was a founding member of Ashfall Fossil Bed.

He will be remembered for his love of the land. He spent his final years in his side by side, observing activities on the farm.

David is survived by his children, Marjorie (Charles) Cook of Verdigre, Linda (Howard) Dashiell of Potter Valley, California, and Bob (Vicki) Willats of Orchard; brothers, Dale Willats of Erie, Pennsylvania, and Donald Willats of Scottsbluff; many grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dixie; a son, William; sister, Annie Marshall; brother, Earl Willats; and his parents.