Charles (Chuck) Richard Willis was born January 8, 1942 in Bay City, Texas. Charles was known as Richard to his extended family and "Sonny" to his immediate family. Chuck grew up in an Army Air Force household. Among the duty stations he would experience with his family were Fukuoka, Japan and Duluth, Minnesota. These experiences would fuel a spirit of adventure that manifested itself in a love of travel, aviation and the ore boats of the Great Lakes. It was during the teenage years that he earned his HAM radio operators license and also took up photography, which would remain regular hobbies throughout his lifetime.

In 1965 Chuck graduated from the University of Texas with degrees in Computer Science, Mathematics and Physics. He delayed his graduation, because of the introduction of the new Computer Science major. It was during his time at the University of Texas that Chuck met the love of his life, Linda Lentz. On January 29, 1966 Chuck and Linda joined their lives together as husband and wife.

The next few years were spent in California as Chuck went to work for IBM developing computer systems. During those years in California Chuck and Linda developed a special love for San Francisco. With the Vietnam War raging, Chuck entered the U.S. Navy and was stationed at North Island in San Diego. In 1970 Chuck and Linda welcomed their son Carl into the world.

Once Chuck had left the Navy, the family moved to Garland, Texas for a few months, but due to instability of the job market they relocated to Ponca City, OK a short time later. During those years in Ponca City, Chuck would hone his skills as a Data Processing manager working for a regional Savings and Loan while balancing the demands of being a father and husband. While in Ponca City, Chuck was able to pursue and accomplish another dream of his when he earned his private pilot's license.

In 1980 Chuck and took a position with 4th National Bank and relocated his family to Wichita, KS. Over the next 29 years he would remain with the bank through a number of buyouts and mergers. A shift in his responsibilities from Data Processing to Corporate Contingency Planning changed the focus of his career in the mid 90's and protected him from much of the corporate downsizing that took place thereafter. Chuck retired from Bank of America in the fall of 2009 having risen to the rank of Vice President and Senior Contingency Specialist for National Data Center Recovery.

In the years since his retirement Chuck volunteered 3 days a week for Sedgwick County Emergency Management and also operated as a trained storm spotter for the RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service) group in Wichita. He was a featured writer and contributor to Peak Oil Blues an online newsletter pertaining to the Peak Oil crisis that is currently facing the world.

Chuck was always known for "piddling" and creating new gadgets. These included radios, antenna systems, a portable solar charger, an electric bicycle and even an electric car made from PVC pipe.

Chuck will be remembered as a man of high integrity, endless generosity and deep faith. He was often heard saying that his greatest ministry occurred with a wrench in his hand.

Chuck will always be remembered as a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Most of all he will be remembered as a man who loved Jesus.

Chuck was preceded in death by his father Carl Willis and his mother Genevieve Willis.
Chuck is survived by his wife Linda Willis, son Carl Willis and daughter in law Carol Willis and his sister Diane Hasler.

Chuck is also survived by 3 grandchildren: Christopher Willis, Collin Willis and Caitlyn Willis

VISITATION 5-7 p.m., Monday, November 5, and SERVICE 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 6, both will be held at Baker Funeral Home, 100 S. Cedar, Valley Center, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to the Kansas K-9 Resq, PO Box 1117, Wichita, Ks 67201; Central Community Church, 6100 W. Maple, Wichita, Ks 67209; or American Cancer Society, 300 S. Main Ste 100, Wichita, Ks 67202. Arrangements by Baker Funeral Home, Valley Center. Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.