Nolan Garn Willis Obituary (1935 - 2014)

Our beloved Dad, Brother, and Grandpa passed away October 15, 2014 surrounded by family. After many years of suffering from the symptoms of COPD, he is able to breath again. He always gave it a good fight, and this time was no exception. Dad was born and raised in Kanab and loved Southern Utah. After graduating from Kanab High School, where he excelled in football and basketball, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as an MP in the Korean War. After his return to Kanab, he married our Mom, Marjorie (Dolly) Morrison, in Las Vegas, Nevada. They were married for 37 years and had three children. They later divorced, but remained friends. Survived by his daughter Valorie (Brice) Thomas, son Shaun (Brenda) Willis, former wife Dolly (Mike) Derbidge; grandchildren Kenny (Amber) Holladay, Ryan (Chelsey) Holladay, Felicia Romney (Aaron), Cassie Romney (Kevin) and Brandon (Victoria) Holladay; Jessica Inostroza and his great grandchildren Daniel, Brooklyn, Kennadi, Gage and Easton. Also survived by his brothers Jim and Nyle Willis and his constant companion and "little buddy" Bo. Dad loved the outdoors and if you walked the Jordan River, you probably passed Dad and his yorkie named Bonapart "scooting" down the trail. He went there every day his health allowed. He loved his South Jordan home and his neighbors who were very good to him. He was a great cook and loved to garden. Our Dad was a talented man who worked hard. He loved to build things and could fix almost anything. He worked at the Newspaper Agency Corporation as a machinist for over 35 years. He loved sports and spent many years coaching little league football, basketball, baseball, and girls fast-pitch softball. You could always count on dad not missing a game. We are going to greatly miss our Dad and Grandpa, but find comfort knowing he is with those who preceded him in death, his parents Garn and Ella Willis, daughter Jamie Willis Romney, son-in-law Brent Romney, son-in-law Daniel J. Holladay, and his brother Duane Willis. The family would like to give special thanks to his physician Mehrnoosh Shakeri for her special care. She gave us many extra years with him. Also, we would like to thank the medical staff at IMC and Landmark Hospital along with his aide Natalie for their loving care and support. A big thank you to his neighbors the Cones', Burrows, and Cliffords for always looking after dad. Dad requested no service, but sorry Dad we will promise to make it short. Funeral Services will be held, Monday, October 20, 2014 at noon at Jenkins Soffe South Valley – 1007 W South Jordan Parkway(10600 So.) where friends and family may visit from 11:00 am – 11:45 am prior to the services. Interment will be at Redwood Memorial Estates – 6500 S Redwood Rd. Since Dad didn't like funerals or suits he wouldn't expect you to wear one. Feel free to dress casually. Online condolences at www.jenkins-soffe.com Funeral Home: Jenkins-Soffe South Valley 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway South Jordan, UT 84095