Steven Ray Willson

Steven Ray Willson, 65, passed away following a long battle with cancer on Monday, January 18, 2016 in Houston, Texas. He was born on October 3, 1951 in Davenport, Iowa to Ray and Dolores Willson. In 1976 he married Gail Martin and together they raised five children. He spent 20 years in the United States Air Force, traveling in and outside the U.S. before retiring in 1991 as a Senior Master Sergeant. Utilizing the skills and experience gained in the military, he continued working for many years at Koch Industries Inc. and MSI Services in Wichita, Kansas and at US Motors and Rich Mountain Community College in Mena, Arkansas. He also served as Fire Chief and then Director at Board Camp Rural Volunteer Fire Department in Arkansas. Steve never knew a stranger and thoroughly enjoyed each job and every person he met. He loved the community of Mena and considered his home there his “little piece of Heaven.” He loved fishing, wood working in his shop at home, Sudoku and driving his MG. He is survived by, his five children, Altaira, Ambre, Sheri, Craig and Mark; his sisters Lynne and Julie and his mother Dolores. He is preceded in death by, his wife, Gail and father, Ray. A memorial service will be held for Steve and Gail at First Presbyterian Church in Mena, AR on February 20, 2016 at 1p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the RMCC Foundation Maintenance Fund, the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society or the Board Camp Rural Volunteer Fire Department in Steve’s name and to Alzheimer’s Arkansas Programs and Services in Gail’s name.

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Jeri Pearson

Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.

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