Gilbert Lee Willson, 84, Nevada, MO, passed from this life on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at Moore-Few Care Center in Nevada. Gilbert was born November 30, 1941, in Sheldon, MO, to R.L. and Anna Mae (Kessler) Willson.
Gilbert grew up in rural Vernon County and graduated from Metz High School in 1959. He met Eleanor on a blind date in December of 1959. They were married on October 21, 1960, and two children were born to this union. A daughter, Deborah (Debbie) born April 16, 1962, and a son, Robert (Rob) born April 11, 1970.
Gilbert was very hard-working and a good provider for his family. He farmed using all the latest techniques, some he innovated until he rented the farm in 2009. He loved working with the dirt and continued building waterways, terraces, etc. until just a few days before he entered the hospital.
He also loved to travel, so each year after the Vernon County Youth Fair he, Eleanor, Debbie, and Robby would take a summer trip in their RV. Most Christmas’ was spent in Arizona. After retiring from farming, he and Eleanor took guided tours to Ireland, Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, and Lake Michigan. They also enjoyed road trips to 45 other US states.
Gilbert was very active in the community and served on many boards including NFO, Ruritan Club, Harwood -12 years, Walker School Board -21 years, Director of Sac Osage Electric Board -5 years, Director Representing Sac Osage on KAMO Board in Vinita, OK, and Production Credit Association Advisory Board.
He was awarded Vernon County Conservation Farmer of the Year, Goodyear Conservation Award of Merit, Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City and MU State Achievement Award, Nevada – Vernon County Chamber of Commerce Agri – Business Pacesetter Award, and University of MO Extension Leader’s Honor Roll.
In addition to farming, he also worked for the MO Dept. of Transportation for 8 years, after which in 1970 he started a fertilizer business and later a ridge till equipment business.
After becoming a grandpa in 1998, he made time for his granddaughters. He rarely missed a ball game, or program, and especially tried to never miss a birthday.
Left to grieve his passing is his wife Eleanor of 66 years; four granddaughters, Kelsey (Mikel) Bailey, Emily Willson, Breanne Willson, and Claire Willson; siblings, Dee Jacks, Ruby (Everett) Forkner, Peggy Hunt, Mary Ellen Comstock, and Janet (Gary) Nichols; a cousin, Eugene (Karen) Story; and numerous nephews, nieces, and friends. He was preceded in death by his children, Debbie Wheatley and Rob Willson; his parents, R.L. and Anna Mae Willson; two sisters, Joyce Emory, Freda Raabe; and four brothers-in-law, Roy Emory, Walt Jacks, Raymont Hunt, and Gary Comstock.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 6, 2026, at Marvin Chapel Cemetery in Nevada with Terry McKinney officiating. The family will receive friends from 5-7:00 p.m. on Thursday evening at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.
In lieu of flowers Gilbert requested donations to Marvin Chapel Cemetery c/o Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.
#MidAmericaLive
