Daniel Willis Obituary

Services for Daniel Konrad Willis, 56, a resident of St. Francisville, will be at Grace Episcopal Church in St. Francisville on Saturday, June 4. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until a Requiem Eucharist at 11 a.m. A graveside military burial service will follow in the Hamilton Cemetery, Tanglewild Plantation, Laurel Hill. A loving and devoted father, he left behind three children, Kathleen Willis Martens, Leah Willis Orth and Jeremy Willis; two sons-in-law, Leigh Martens and David Orth; a grandson, Edan Martens; and the mother of his children, Susan Martin Willis. He is also survived by two brothers, Thomas M. Willis and wife Peaches, and Hamilton B. Willis and wife Debbie; sister, Victoria W. Eulaerts and husband Philippe; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Allison Leigh Willis; and his parents, Hamilton Barrow Willis and Victoria Horner Willis. He was born Aug. 11, 1954, and died Monday, May 30, 2011. A native of West Feliciana Parish, he graduated from Episcopal High School in 1972 and from LSU Law School in 1984, having earned a bachelor of science degree in political science in 1980. He served in the Marine Corps from 1975-78, stationed at Camp Pendleton, where he attained the rank of corporal. He was a member of Grace Episcopal Church, St John's Episcopal Church, the American Bar Association, the West Feliciana Bar Association and the West Feliciana Poker Club. He enjoyed teaching Sunday school for many years at Grace Church. His defense of those less fortunate brought him great satisfaction in life. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Marines Helping Marines at www.MarinesHelpingMarines.org. He is deeply loved and will be sadly missed by family and friends alike. His charitable nature will not soon be forgotten and will never be replaced. Share sympathies, memories and condolences at www.charletfuneralhome.com.

Published by The Advocate from Jun. 2 to Jun. 4, 2011.
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Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Willis

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Still missing you very much. Happy Thanksgiving my friend.

Paul & Melanie Kadair

November 23, 2011

The first time I met Dan I knew he was a special person. He had that personality that is larger than life. He loved BIG and made life more interesting to everyone around him. I am so sorry I did not get a chance to know him well, for I know those who did will never forget him. For his loved ones, please hold close the wonderful memories he gave you and find comfort in them.
.

Sallye Gomes

November 21, 2011

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

David Campbell

June 11, 2011

Kate,
You are in our thoughts and prayers, May God bless you and your entire family during your time of sorrow.

Troy and Karolyn (Waldon) Williams

June 10, 2011

I am so sorry for your loss. He was my lawyer for many years. I just found out 2day. He was working on a case for me. My thoughts and prayers r with the family. Take care and God knows best.

Maggie Hills

June 8, 2011

Dear Willis Family,
I, too, always called Dan Konrad because that is how he was first introduced to me by Vickie when I was Hamilton, Sr.'s secretary at the law office. I was so saddened to hear of his passing. He was a very special person to our family and many times gave us sage (and free) advice concerning legal problems we had. He always stood up for the underdog, and for right, even when it was not an opinion shared by others in the community. I loved Hamilton and Vickie, and considered them "parents" to me when Dave and I first moved to St. Francisville, and as I grew to know each member of your family, I have loved each of you. Because I was working at Villa, I didn't hear of Dan's passing until after the funeral. Dave and I send our love and prayers to each of you. We will miss Dan so much, but I know he's in heaven having wonderful debates with Hamilton, Wilson, John Rarick, et al.

Dave & Valerie Barnes

June 7, 2011

We will *always* miss Dan. Our prayers are with Jeremy, Leah, Kate, Tori, Tom, and Hamilton and families. Can hardly wait to get to see him again!

Melanie & Paul Kadair

June 6, 2011

To the Willis Family:

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my prayers. Dan will be missed by many people.

Tammy DeLatte

June 6, 2011

Dear Leah and David,
I was so sorry to hear this very sad news. If I had been in Louisiana I would have surely been with you yesterday. My heart-felt condolences for your loss. I remember how happy your father was at your wedding last year. With all my sympathy to your entire family.
Adelaide Russo

June 5, 2011

It was such a shock to learn of Atty Willis's passing. We met soon after I moved to St. Francisville (years ago) and served on many organizations and committees together. A very honest and upfront person who always had sincere concern about the educational future of our next generation.

Our heart grieves with you at your great loss and will keep you in prayer.

With Deepest Sympathy,

Sara Wilson-Rogers & Family

June 4, 2011

Tom, Hamilton & Tori,
Our families go way back with many fond memories. Our prayers are with you all at this difficult time.

Wendi (Holcomb) Davis

June 4, 2011

Kate, Leah and Jeremy----The untimely passing of a parent is indescriable, but with the loving support of your Mom, close family and friends, time will heal the feelings of loss. I was reminded last night when your Dad was a chaperone for a Gifted and Talented field trip to Jackson, Mississippi and he wore this huge African type hat. He shared with me why he wore the hat so if any of his soldiers(the boys that were assigned to him) were lost they could look over the crowd and in the distance they would see the hat....when you look in the distance you will find love, joy, peace, gentleness, long-suffering and meekness..May God Bless You.

Winona Mullen Fabre'

June 4, 2011

Our prayers and sympathy are extended to the Willis family upon the death of Dan. He will be missed by those whom he loved and befriended.

"Rest eternal grant unto Dan, O Lord; and let light perpetual shine upon him."

Susan, Bill, & Hannah Rothermel

June 4, 2011

I am so sorry to hear of Dan's untimely death. We were good friends in high school, but lost touch through the years, only meeting once during the time I worked in St. Francisville in the 1990's. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Pam Gustin Brown

June 4, 2011

Dear WIllis family,
Dan and I were 2 of the 44 graduates from Episcopoal High in 1972. We played football together as well as basketball. As is so often the case, once we graduated we never saw each other again until about 5 years ago when we had a reunion. That was a memorable night for several reasons but particularly because I got to see my old classmate. Several of us stayed out quite late and shared some of our experiences over the years. I am just so glad that I got to see Dan after such a long time. My best to you Hamilton and Tom. We are still here in Natchez and I think about all of you when we pass by the farm going down 61 and pass by the lumber yard. Our love and prayers go out to you and your families

John White

John White

June 3, 2011

Dan, as with my dear uncle and adopted dad, “Bob” Robert D Law, Jr., I cannot believe that your earthly life is done. You were always there for me and my mother, my family both extended and not and you always fought for what was right regardless of the political correctness, expediency or earthly gain. You were still doing so in full stride when the Lord called you home last week. I can imagine you argued with Him, saying you had so much still to do.

You lived principles that stay with me: honor and integrity are daily, minute to minute choices, ways of life that dictate that your playground sense of justice be applied to all your fellow men. You lived a faith that taught others; a faith deep within you that pointed back true north on those days it was not clear, life fair or things happened that just did not make good sense. You stood by my beloved uncle, Bob Law, not only as a dear friend, fellow Marine and comrade in arms but as a fellow traveler in this world determined despite the overwhelming odds to make that last stand for what was true and right and just. I hope the three of you, Judge John Rarick, my uncle and you have great poker games in heaven… even though those who would not understand might scoff. I will always regret that I never had the opportunity to take you up on your offer of going hunting since my trips down here from Wisconsin have been few. I thank you for your incredible service and friendship. Semper fidelis were not just words but a way of life for you were ALWAYS faithful.

For your family, my deepest sympathies; I cannot conceive of their pain and loss but only pray God provide solace. I do know without a doubt your life made a great difference to many and that the Bible you taught in Sunday school is true “Blessed be the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

“Bob” Robert B. Moreland, Ph.D., Pleasant Prairie, WI and Shirley Law, Zachary, LA

Shirley Law

June 3, 2011

Isaac Gwinn

June 3, 2011

To Tom, Hamilton and Victoria,
You may not remember me, but will rememer Scott, Don, Dave and Lori Campbell, who send their condolences.
When John Rarick and I married, Danaplanted a herb garden for the p;atio. It lasted until this last winter. I plan to replant it as a memorial ato him. Your mother was very dear to me.

God bless and keep you all,
Frances E. (Campbell) Rarick

Frances E. Rarick

June 3, 2011

To the Willis family,
Dan has been a very good friend and attorney of the Jones family for many years. He was a good man. He will be truly missed.

Ivy Jones and the entire Jones' family.

Shirtena Jones, RN, BSN

June 3, 2011

We were so shocked and saddened to learn of our loss of Dan - he was such a character and memorable individual-but more importantly a very dear friend to me and ALL of my family! Know he'll get connected with my Dad so they can once again play poker (Wawacee Poker Club forever)and debate politics as they so enjoyed doing during life! We not only helped push each other through law school together, but Dan continued to "counsel" and encouraged me so many times thereafter - just going to miss him so! Our love & prayers to Susan, Victoria, Hamilton, and to all of his children & family.

The John Rarick Family

Cherie Rarick Brumfield

June 2, 2011

To the Willis Family,
Our family will miss Dan tremendously. Dan and I taught the Church Mice together at Grace Church. The kids loved him and were fascinated when he read the bible to them. He would come with a sack of silver dollars and they could earn them by memorizing their prayers. Both of my children went through Church Mice with Mr. Dan and will always have fond memories of him. My husband played poker with Dan and the guys on Thursday nights and loved to hear Dan's social commentary.

He was a special man and he will be missed by many.

God Bless you all,

The Tully's
Tom, Susie, Claudia & Fiona

Susie Tully

June 2, 2011

Thinking of u all Your Dad was a great man. Sorry for your loss.

Tammy Nicholas

June 2, 2011

Ms. Susan, May God bless you and your family during your time of sorrow.

Lajuana Scales

June 2, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with y'all at this sad time. Charlotte Wright

June 2, 2011

Susan, Tom, Hamilton and Tori, my deepest sympathy. He had such a sweet smile. My prayers are with your entire family.

Ella Butler

June 2, 2011

My Prayers and Condolences to the family and friends. May God send an Angel to lead , guide , and direct you through this time of need ....

Wallace " Sonny " Carney

June 2, 2011

Tom, Hamilton and Tori, There were not many of us who grew up in Laurel Hill which makes it even sadder to lose one. Please know the entire family will be in my thoughts and prayers. I will miss Dan (Mamma insists on still calling him Konrad, like your mom did.).

Sara Spillman Ferguson

June 2, 2011

To the Family,
I was deeply saddened when I heard of the passing of Dan. We were friends for a very long time and he will be sorely missed. On behalf of myself, my family and Clinton Police Department we express our deepest sympathy. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. May God bless you all and keep you strong

Chief Eddie Stewart

June 2, 2011

my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time...

Donna Hoffman

June 2, 2011

The Willis Family,

You are in our prayers and thoughts. Dan was a wonderful person and the best attorney. West Feliciana Parish will miss him.

You have our sympathy.

The Veal Family
(Shirley, Dorothy, Elvin Jr. & Irene)

Weyanoke, LA

June 2, 2011

Ms. Susan, I wanted to say a word that I pray will be a comfort to you during this difficult time. God Promise to be with you and just like he has helped you in the past, he will do it again for you.

Linda Moncriffe

June 2, 2011

My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Willis family.Dan and I were friends for close to 50 years and I will always remember him more as a brother than just a friend.He always had the best interest of West Feliciana Parish and her residents at heart.He will be sorely missed by many.

Jeffrey Hewes

June 2, 2011

Kate, Leah and Jeremy- I am so sorry to learn of your father's death. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Marcia (Mrs. Hamilton B. Willis)

June 2, 2011

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