Clyde T. Willard Jr., 89, of Independence, MO passed away Friday, July 16, 2021, at Harmony Gardens in Warrensburg, MO.  He was born October 3, 1931, to Clyde & Mildred (Powell) Willard Sr.  Clyde married Dixie Swon at her parents' home in Center, MO on May 8th, 1955, and she survives of the home.

Clyde Junior was born in Kansas City, MO and at the age of 12, moved to Perry, MO with his family. Clyde Sr. had just finished receiving training to be a machinist and wanted to move back home to Perry in order to open his own machine shop. Clyde Jr worked with his Dad and quickly learned to be a machinist as well. Clyde graduated from Perry High School at 17 and his Senior high school picture was posted in the local newspaper. That picture captured the eye of Dixie and she told her mom that she was going to marry that man. Immediately after graduating from high school, Clyde joined the United States Air Force. He was trained to work on some of the very first fighter jets of the military and was sent to Korea for his service. Somehow his superiors found out that Clyde knew how to type and he was reassigned to logging flight and engineering data and never got his hands on a plane afterwards. It was during one of his furloughs and a visit back home to Perry Missouri when he met Dixie during Perry Park Day. He won a male sexy legs contest and later asked Dixie to dance with him. That was the beginning of a lifelong, 66 year relationship!

After six years in the Air Force, he was honorably discharged and was a veteran of the Korean War, something that he was extremely proud of.

Clyde worked as a machinist his entire life, most of which was done for General Electric in Kansas City. He and Dixie raised 5 kids and shared their lives with many relatives, always laughing and loving the times they shared together. Clyde was a Deacon for their church and raised his family to know God, have good morals, and show respect towards others. He supported his children through scouting, music, and his simple and quiet guidance in life. Clyde and Dixie's empty nesters time was filled with wood working hobbies, wind chime making, craft shows, and camping/road trips. He will truly be missed by all.

Survivors include, sons, Ron (Alice) Willard of Independence, MO, Gary (Shelley) Willard of Bates City, MO, and David (Charline) Willard of Blue Springs, MO; daughters, Christine Boswell of Weston, MO and Kathy (Rick) Luff of Holden, MO; grandchildren, Jessica Willard, Geoff Willard, Melissa Ozburn, Jesse Lee Resch, Wesley Luff, Lucas Luff, Hattie Willard, Garrison Willard, Mae Barrett, Kristina Weddle, and Lendsy Alexander; seventeen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild on the way.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Betty Leake, Judy Trimble, and an infant sister.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.  Breit-Hawkins Funeral Home of Savannah, MO is in charge oflocal arrangements.