Reed Morgan Willis

In Loving Memory

Reed Morgan Willis

June 25, 1930 – May 12, 2025

Lifelong Chandler resident and rancher, Reed Morgan Willis, has left his earthly life to return to his heavenly home. Our dear dad, at the age of 94, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2025, just eight days after our mom’s passing. He will be greatly missed.

Born on June 25, 1930 to Charles Henry and Fern Russell Willis, Reed was the oldest of eight children. He grew up on the family ranch working alongside his father and brothers to raise cattle and sheep, and also to grow cotton, alfalfa and other feed crops.

He graduated from Chandler High School in 1948 where he excelled in football, basketball and track. In both his freshman and senior years, he was elected class president. He was also active in FFA (Future Farmers of America), serving as chapter president his senior year and participating in the National Convention in Kansas City.

He continued his education at the University of Arizona majoring in Agricultural Economics, where he met our mother, Norma Janis Weech, his freshman year. After their courtship in Tucson, he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Shortly after his return, they were married in the Mesa Arizona Temple in December 1952.

In his youth Reed developed a strong work ethic, which defined his life and profession. During his downtime he loved rodeoing, especially roping. He also enjoyed flying and earned his private pilot license. Even though he was a reserved man by nature, he enjoyed social occasions, loved to talk with people, and had many friends and acquaintances.

During his lifetime, he valiantly served in many church callings, first as a missionary in the Eastern States Mission from 1950 to 1952 and then later in several bishoprics, as a member of the Stake High Council, Stake Sunday School President and Bishop of the San Marcos Ward.

Reed is survived by his four children: Brenda, Dan (Annette), Sandy (Mario) and Ron (Elisabeth). He also leaves behind eight grandchildren: Patrick Funk (Amy), Erin Isom (Zac), Jordan Funk, Ryan Willis (Meredith), Connor Willis (Janiece), Morgan Willis (Karoline), Eva Willis and Ian Willis. Additionally, he has 17 great grandchildren and one great-great grandson.

He is also survived by his sisters Golda Norton (Brooks) and Carol Gale (Howard), and by his brothers Kenny and Dwight (Yodit). He was preceded in death by his wife Janis, his parents, his sister Lanell, and his brothers Dale and Jay.

We express our sincere gratitude to Dad’s wonderful caregivers. 

A double funeral service for Dad and Mom will be held on Monday, June 16 at 11:30 am in the Chandler West Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 1950 W. Galveston Street in Chandler, Arizona. The Viewing will be at 10:00 am, preceding the funeral. Interment will be the following day, Tuesday, June 17, at 12:00 noon in the Pima Cemetery in Pima, Arizona.