Marvin Earl Willis

Marvin Earl Willis of Grapeland was born January 20, 1940 in Anthony, Texas and grew up in New Mexico.  He left this earth January 25, 2017 at Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas.   He was a retired electrician, being self-employed for twenty-five years in Madisonville, Texas, then working for TDCJ.

   Mr. Willis was predeceased by his parents Ernest and Catherine Willis, and one son, James Earl Willis.  He is survived by his sister, Marge Berger of Madisonville, Tx. He is also survived by his wife Dorris Rowden Willis of Grapeland, one daughter Caralynda Willis of Madisonville, one son J.D. Willis and wife Judith of Plano, Tx, and Dorris’ children whom he loved as his own:  John Rowden and wife Debra of Grapeland, James Rowden and wife Susan of Grapeland, and Martha Sims and husband Ronnie of Crockett.  He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Westen Klenk, Blayne Klenk, and Samantha Klenk, all of Madisonville, Jeremy Rowden and wife Misti of Bullard, Christy Boyd and husband Russell of Buffalo, Jamie Salmon of Norfold, Va., Tammy Denney and husband Marty of Elkhart, Terri Smith and husband Daniel of Grapeland, and Krystal Atkins of Lewisville; sixteen great-grandchildren who all called him “Papa”.  Earl loved his family above all else but had many interests.  He loved traveling, square dancing, bowling, gardening and working in his wood shop.

  Earl’s grandsons will be pallbearers.

  Services will be at Bailey & Foster Chapel in Grapeland. Visitation was Friday, Jan. 27, 2017 from 6 to 8 p.m.  The funeral was held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan.  28, 2017, with a graveside service that followed at Davis Cemetery east of Grapeland.

To view online leave condolences or sign the guest book go to www.baileyandfosterfuneralhome.com.