Willard Wallace Weide, 85, passed away at Newton Medical Center, Newton, on Dec. 16, 2020, due to COVID-19. Willard was born at his parent’s home, rural Yates Center, on Aug. 17, 1935, to Wallace Daniel and Freda (Henning) Weide.
Willard graduated from Yates Center High in 1953. On Oct. 20, 1957, he married Marilyn McNitt at the Batesville EUB Church in Toronto. The couple was blessed with two children, Karen and Brian. They celebrated 55 years together. Willard farmed west of Yates Center and also worked at Gates Rubber Corp. for many years. For the past 10 years, he has resided at Presbyterian Manor in Newton.
For six years, Willard served in the National Guard. He also served on the Woodson Co. Co-op Board and the Woodson Co. Farm Bureau Board.
Willard enjoyed trap shooting, hunting and fishing. Zeke, a German shorthaired pointer, was his favorite dog. He was an accomplished trap shooter and marksman and was a longtime member of the Kansas Trap Association. Spending time with his grandchildren, Blake and Kaci, was a highlight of his life. He taught them how to shoot trap and fish for the big ones.
Survivors are children, Karen Foraker (Harlan) of Burrton and Brian Weide of Kansas City, Mo.; grandchildren, Blake Foraker of Lubbock, Texas, and Kaci Foraker of Maize; sister-in-law, Sharon McNitt and brothers-in-law, Gordon McNitt (Marcia) and Gary McNitt. Willard was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn, in 2013; parents; sisters, Alta Davis and Jean May and sisters-in-law, Mary Alice McNitt and Kay McNitt.
The family wishes to extend a grateful thank you to the compassionate staff at Harry Hynes Hospice, Presbyterian Manor and Newton Medical Center.
There was a public visitation on Sunday, Dec. 20, from 3-5 p.m. Willard was laid to rest on Monday, Dec. 21. Due to Covid-19, the service was for immediate family only. The funeral was streamed on Facebook Live at 11 a.m. The link was https://www.facebook.com/CampbellFuneral
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Harry Hynes Hospice and may be sent in care of Campbell Funeral Home, P.O. Box 188, Yates Center, Kan., 66783.
