Willis A. Cramer
March 31, 1935 ~ November 4, 2023
Willis A. Cramer, 88, of Ottawa, KS, passed away Saturday, November 4, 2023, at Rock Creek in Ottawa, KS. He was born March 31, 1935, in Ottawa, KS, the son of Andrew Cramer and Ida Laverne (Nelson) Cramer. He attended schools in Ottawa. He later graduated with a Business Degree from Ottawa University. He ran Track at Junior High School setting school records that stood many years. He worked at Dairy Queen, Bennett’s Creamery and the National Sign Company, all in Ottawa, KS.
Willis proudly served our country in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955.
On October 15, 1956, he was united in marriage to Shirley Lee Dodds in Miami County, KS. They shared over thirty-eight years of married life together before Shirley’s passing on May 13, 1995.
Willis owned and operated Cramer Products Company in Ottawa, KS.
He enjoyed coffee with many friends, including Bob & Janelle Moore at the Horseshoe Café’ and his McDonald’s buddies. He was an avid Kansas University Jayhawks, Kansas City Chiefs and Royals Fan. He attended the “Longest Game” Chiefs vs Dolphins with his son, Kent, in 1972 at the Municipal Stadium in Kansas City. He enjoyed listening to country music and anything Elvis, watching Fox News and restoring a 1939 Chevy Coupe. Willis enjoyed his family and always cherished the time spent with them. He was very meticulous and will be remembered for his blue eyes... giving you a wink.
Mr. Cramer was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Shirley; and two brothers, Max and Terry Cramer.
Surviving family includes, daughter, Kim Litton and husband, Bill of Broken Arrow, OK, son, Kent Cramer and wife, Jana of Oskaloosa, KS, daughter, Kelley Jo Hayen and husband, Scott of Topeka, KS; companion, Judi Collins of Ottawa, KS; two sisters, Joan Diamond and husband, Dave of Ottawa, KS and Linna Toomey of Gardner, KS; sister-in-law, Linda Cramer of Lee’s Summit, MO; six grandchildren, Cassie, Corey, Andy, Christopher, Heidi and Cannon; and six great-grandchildren, Landon, Bently, Charleigh, Bryce, Graysen and Paisley.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at the Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, 325 S, Hickory, Ottawa, KS 66067. Interment will follow at the Highland Cemetery, Ottawa, KS. The family will receive friends at 1 p.m. before the service hour at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Donor’s Choice and sent in c/o the Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, P.O. Box 14, Ottawa, KS 66067. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.lamb-roberts.com.
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