Paul Franklin Willis

Paul Franklin Willis of Shawnee passed away March 18, 2023.  He was born on October 17, 1939 in Welling, OK to Grover and Charity (Wright) Willis.  He was the eighth of nine children.  Paul spent his early years in the Welling area playing in and around the springs and creeks of the Illinois River.  His high school years were spent in Tahlequah and later Vian, OK. After entering the army and working as a dental technician in France, Paul returned to the Vian area and drove a school bus while taking college courses at North Eastern University.

One summer, he got a job as a Western Electric Installer in Oklahoma City where he met and married Joyce Drake.  The couple had two daughters, Shanda and Danielle and were later joined with two very special nephews, Stephen and Phillip Drake.  Paul's summer job turned into a lifetime career.  He retired as an installer in 1995 from AT&T/Lucent.

Paul is survived by his wife of fifty-nine years Joyce, children Shanda McDonald (Gary), Danielle Shaughnessy (Daniel), Phillip and Stephen Drake, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by his brother Alonzo Willis and sister Leona Eidson, his brother John's wife Lola Willis of Missouri, and his brother Mugs widow, Ellen.  He also leaves behind a bevy of loving nieces and nephews who adored their "Uncle Paul".

Service will be held at Walker Funeral Chapel 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 28, 2023.  A private family committal will be held at Calvary Cemetery.