Willis King, age 57, of Fordland Missouri, passed away on January 20th, Springfield Missouri. Willis was born to Wayne King and Barbara King (White) on August 24, 1968 in Douglas County, Oregon. Willis was raised in Fordland, Missouri and graduated from High School in 1986. Willis proudly served in the United States Marine Corps as an Air Traffic Controller and Field Wireman for 6 years before his honorable discharge in 1992. Willis was united in marriage to Janie on December 31, 2017, in Springfield, MO. Willis and Janie shared 19 years together before Willis’ untimely passing on January 20, 2026. The couple was blessed with three children: Steven King (Lillian), Miya (Jacob) Smalley and Bryce King.

Willis was employed as a Fire Fighter / Equipment Operator with the City of Springfield for 24 years. Over the course of his career, Willis held other jobs including [Working with Rex]. When not working, He had many interests and pastimes including working on cars, barbequing, attending car shows and traveling. Nothing, however, brought Him more fulfillment and joy than spending time with his grandchildren. Willis will be remembered as a loyal friend, brother and comrade. He was often described by others as a devoted husband, father, grandpa and friend. He always had a joke to tell. Willis was always willing to help others or lend an ear.

Willis was preceded in death by Wayne King (father), Barbara King, (mother), Ron King, (brother), Wayne King Jr. (brother) numerous aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife Janie, Steven(son), Miya(daughter) and Bryce(son) and his beloved grandchildren, CiCi, Teddy, baby King (girl), Beau, Joseph, Kinsley and Addy.  Brothers, John, Terry, Kevin and Sisters Kathy, Carmen, Sue, Karen, Trudy and Lori and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces. Aunts Maxine Biggs and Maicie Carlson

A visitation for Willis will be held on Wednesday, 1/28, at 1pm, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield. The funeral service for Willis will be held on Wednesday, 1/28, at 2pm at Greenlawn Funeral Home North.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in Willis’s memory to St Jude.

There will be a private internment at a later date.