Willis Lotz

Willis Burton Lotz, 88, died Saturday, December 18, 2010 in Coffeyville, Kansas. Willis was born May 19, 1922 in Edna, Kansas to Leo Lotz and Hazel Livingston Lotz and had two siblings, Ted Lotz and Virginia Lotz Sibert. Willis was raised in Edna and went to school in Hawkins Country School District 92. He then attended Edna High School for two years, followed by two years at Labette County Community High School. He graduated high school from LCCHS in May of 1942. During high school, he played football, basketball, and track. He then attended Coffeyville Junior College, where he played football. In 1945, he received a scholarship to play football and basketball for the University of Tulsa. During college, Willis worked at Junge Bakery, Acme Machine Shop, and Parkersburg. In September 21, 1948, Willis married Darlene Clevenger. They lived south of Edna, and later moved south into Craig County, Oklahoma, where they farmed. Willis harvested wheat throughout western Kansas and in the Dakotas. After harvesting, he worked for two years in Wichita for Beardsly and Coachman Tool and Die Shop. He then worked at the Edna John Deere Store. He went on to work for two years at Continental Can in Coffeyville on the third shift while farming during the daytime. Williss hobbies included fishing, horseback riding, bowling, and working in the shop. Willis especially enjoyed entertaining friends and family on the farm, especially at the lake he constructed in 1963. Willis was a member of the United Methodist Church of Edna. He was also a member of the Heritage Club and the Edna Saddle Club. Willis was preceded in death by his wife, Darlene Lotz, father, Leo Lotz, mother, Hazel Lotz, and brother, Ted Lotz. He is survived by one sister, Virginia Sibert amp her husband, Jim of Orange, Texas numerous nieces and nephews and many friends. Visitation will be held 9am8pm, with family receiving friends from six to eight in the evening, Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at PenwellGabel Funeral Home in Coffeyville, Kansas. Services will be held at ten oclock, Wednesday, December 22, 2010 at the United Methodist Church of Edna. Following the funeral, burial will take place at Elm Grove Cemetery north of Edna. Memorial donations can be made to the United Methodist Church of Edna, PO Box 308, Edna, Kansas 67342 and may be left at the funeral home. To send a special message to the family online, visit www.penwellgabel.com.