He was born Feb. 17, 1911, in McLouth, in the son of Lee J. and Elsie (Gardner) Willits. He had lived in McLouth most of his life. He was a 1929 graduate of Halstead High School and graduated from Emporia Teacher’s College, where he received a bachelor of science degree in 1933, a bachelor of arts degree in 1938 and his master’s degree in social sciences in 1940.

Mr. Willits was a farmer and stockman in rural McLouth for many years. He had worked in the registrar’s office at Emporia Teacher’s College before going into farming.

He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, serving in the European and Pacific theaters. After his discharge from the service, Mr. Willits worked in the army recruiting office in Topeka.

Mr. Willits also was a member of the McLouth Board of Education for six years.

He never married.

Survivors include nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at Barnett Funeral Home, Oskaloosa.

The family suggests memorials to the World War II Memorial Fund of McLouth, sent in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 416, Oskaloosa, 66066.