Lynn Bernel Willits, age 97 of North Platte, passed away Thursday October 4, 2018 at Great Plains Health.
Lynn was born September 22, 1921 in Grand Island, NE to Claude and Mary (Mendenhall) Willits. He graduated from Grand Island High School in 1939 and joined the US Navy in 1941. He served as a radioman 1st Class aboard various ships in the Atlantic and Pacific during the threats of WWII. He was honorably discharged in 1945. When he returned from the Navy, he went to work for the Union Pacific Railroad as a telegrapher clerk. He branched out, working in Grand Island, Marysville, KS, Kansas City, KS and North Platte as a train dispatcher, retiring in 1981. He also worked part time as a carpenter. He enjoyed working with youth and coached baseball and basketball. He also played golf, enjoyed reading, watching sports and was a loyal Husker fan. He married Betty Thompson in 1942. Betty passed away in 1983. He married Betty Rea in 1985. Lynn was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion. He was a founding member of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church coat closet and the food pantry.
Lynn is survived by his sons Jim (Martha) Willits of Loveland, CO, Tom (Ann) Willits of Denver, CO, and Bob (Colleen) Willits of Cheyenne, WY; step children Dennis (Ginger) Rea of Huntersville, NC, Mary (Bob) Trujillo of Avondale, AZ, Steven (Carol) Rea of North Platte and Mike (Dicki) Rea of Grand Island, NE; 9 grandchildren Kelly, Beth, John, Mark, Jenney, Collette, Mike, Jeff and Julie; 15 step grandchildren Steven, Billy, Autumn, Nino, Troy, Heather, Laurie, Julie, Jenny, Chris, Brian, Greg, Kim, Kelly and Katie; 11 great grandchildren; 28 step great grandchildren; 3 step great great grandchildren; as well as other extended family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Claude and Mary Willits; both of wives, Beatrice “Betty” Mae (Thompson) Willits and Bertha “Betty” Magdelene (Wachter) Willits; siblings Inez, Edith and Gordon; and stepson Richard Rea.
Memorials are suggested to the Holy Spirit Catholic Church and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Christian Wake Services will be held 7:00 p.m. Tuesday October 9, 2018. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday October 10, 2018, both services at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with the Reverend Vidya Sagar Arikotla as Celebrant. Burial will follow at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery with Military Honors. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Tuesday October 9, 2018 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.