(1950-2026)

Willis J. McClure, 76, of Ellsworth, Kan., passed away on his birthday, Sept. 19, 2026, at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice in Wichita, Kan. He was born Sept. 19, 1950, in Kansas City, Kan., the son of Willis Stephen McClure and Blanche Lucille Adams McClure. Willis graduated from Louisburg High School in 1968 and went on to serve his country in the U.S. Air Force. Following his honorable discharge, he attended Emporia State University, where he earned a master’s degree in American history.

Willis spent many years working as a hearing clerk for the Social Security Administration.

He met Julia White in Wichita, and the two were married April 22, 1989, at the Old Cowtown Church in Wichita. They later lived in Omaha, Neb., and then Williamsburg, Va., where they made their home for 21 years. In 2022, Willis and Julia relocated to Ellsworth.

Willis was a member of Christ Cathedral in Salina. He enjoyed reading, writing, playing golf and watching old Westerns on television. He also dearly loved his three dogs, Moto, Maria and Kenji, who lit up his world.

He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife Julia; stepdaughter Erika Parker and Dave Smith; and step-granddaughter Amelia Smith.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, at Delphos Cemetery in Delphos, Kan. Memorial services will be held at a later date at Christ Cathedral in Salina. Memorials may be made to Christ Cathedral and may be left in care of Wilson Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 166, Minneapolis, KS 67467.