Roy "Jay" Willows

Jay Willows Obituary Roy Gene Willows (known by all as Jay) was born December 3, 1932 in Ewing, MO to Mary and Roy Willows. He went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on July 15, 2017 in Paola, KS. He is survived by his wife of almost 65 years, Peggy Ann Willows of the home in Paola. He is also survived by his son, Rodney Jay Willows and wife Kathy Lamb Willows of California, MO; daughter, Cindy Willows Smith and husband Wayne Douglas Smith of Longmont, CO; daughter, Vicky Willows Harmon and husband Charles Frederick Harmon of Overland Park, KS. His grandchildren who survive him with many fond memories are Erin Willows Minear and husband Brett Jason Minear of Louisburg, KS; Kevin Jay Kinsella of Overland Park, KS; Anna Merrell Shorten and husband Andrew Shorten of Morse, KS; Todd Christian Harmon of Denver, CO; Morgan Merrell Odney and husband Jamer Odney of Kansas City as well as great-grandchildren, Charlotte Avery Minear, Ashton Parker Minear and Wyatt Michael Shorten. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Carolyn Gregory of Georgetown, TX; along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws. He was preceded in death by his parents. Raised in Northeast Missouri, Jay developed a deep love of sports, good food and of driving that stayed with him throughout his life. He was a very good high school basketball player and coach, he loved to eat, especially a good buffet and he never met a vehicle that he didn’t think he could drive better than its owner! He loved to drive and he owned and loved many cars throughout his life!! He also made the choice at a young age to follow Christ as his Lord. This choice translated into a love of the church and mission work of all kinds. Jay was a coach and educator who loved life, had an adventurous, inquisitive, encouraging and entrepreneurial spirit. Jay and Peggy loved to travel together and they partnered together on multiple mission trips and ministry ventures. They traveled to Beijing, China where Jay taught at the University in the Business school and to Nicaragua on medical missions on three separate occasions. Their heart for teenagers to meet Christ led them to be involved with the Young Life Mission, for whom they served as Adult Guest hosts at YL camps in North Carolina and Minnesota. They also served at Kanakuk Kamps in Branson, MO working with handicapped children. When not serving in these various missions they lived adventurously by doing summer work together at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. As an educator, Jay loved to see people become all that God intended them to be. This love drove him as he started the Adult Vocational Education program at the Columbia, MO Public Schools. He was also the director of the Licensed Practical Nurse Program for Columbia Public Schools. Jay’s responsibilities often took him to conferences, which were accompanied by airfare and convention hotels. He typically cashed in the airfare and hotels and piled the family into one of his many vehicles for a rambunctious Willow’s family vacation! His love of sports led him into his core vocation, that of coaching, specifically basketball. He served as a Basketball coach for several schools, but his favorite was Varsity Basketball coach for Hannibal MO High School, home of the Pirates. He is fondly remembered by his players as an encourager, developer of both talent and character and a defender of all of his players. He loved coaching his players, and he loved following his favorite athletic teams as a passionate and well-informed fan. He particularly loved the St. Louis Cardinals, KC Royals and all Mizzou Athletic teams. He was particularly proud of being his granddaughter’s basketball coach when she was a child. He made a point to attend as many sporting events no matter how far he had to travel and did it with great pleasure. He was a great cheerleader for his grandchildren in all their interests whether it be music, painting, the arts, health and exercise, education or traveling. Jay’s deepest human affections were reserved for his family. He loved being a husband to Peggy, he cherished her and encouraged her decorating talents, gardening abilities, and loved spending time with her. He loved being a dad to his children, Papa to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was happiest when the family was together, whether on a fun vacation, holiday gatherings (which are legendary) or a simple meal together. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother, uncle, friend and a devoted follower of Christ. Jay and Peggy loved each other, their church and most especially their Lord. This simple poem captures their shared desire. “To Those I Love and Those Who Love Me” When I am gone, release me, let me go. I have so many things to see and do. You mustn’t tie yourself to me with many tears, Be happy that we had so many year. I gave you my love, you can only guess How much you gave me in happiness. I thank you for the love you each have shown, But now it’s time I traveled on alone So grieve a while for me if grieve you must, Then let your grief be comforted by trust. It’s only for a while that we must part, So bless the memories within your hearts, I won’t be far away, for life goes on. So if you need me, call and I will come. Though you can’t see or touch me, I’ll be near. And if you listen with your heart, You’ll hear all of my love around you, soft and clear. And then, when you must come this way alone, I’ll greet you with a smile and say “Welcome Home” Visitation, followed by Services for Roy Gene Willows will be held Saturday, July 22, 2017 at Lighthouse Presbyterian Church, Paola, Kansas at 10:00 visitation, service at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Pastor Discretionary Fund at Lighthouse Presbyterian Church