Willard E. Ison

Willard Earl Ison, age 81, of Iantha, passed away Wednesday morning, July 23, 2014 at his home.      Willard was born April 17, 1933 in Appleton City, Missouri, the fourth of five children of Walter and Grace (Purvis) Ison.  He moved with his family to Barton County where he graduated from Liberal High School in 1950.  On April 7, 1951, Willard married the love of his life, Lavona Bishop and they had celebrated 55 years together before her passing August 8, 2006. He was also preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Evelyn Caruthers, Mildred LaGraves, and Wilma Wolf; a grandson, Landon Ison; and a nephew, Terry Buzzard.      Survivors include a son, Willie (Diann) Ison, a daughter, Teresa (Dale) White, a sister, Jean (Harvey) Buzzard, all of Lamar; eleven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and a large extended family.      In addition to being a long-time Barton County farmer, Willard had worked at Aaron’s Poultry and Lawn Boy in Lamar.  He and Lavona owned and operated Dolly’s Antiques & Collectables in Frontenac, Kansas for many years.  They enjoyed traveling and spent many winters in Brownsville, Texas.  An outdoorsman, Willard was a hunter, fisherman and prolific gardener.  In later life, he learned to play the guitar and enjoyed the fellowship of many local musicians as well as his winter neighbors in Texas.      A graveside funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 25th at Iantha Cemetery with Larry Heath officiating.      Memorial contributions are suggested to Iantha City Park in care of Daniel Funeral Home.