The Oakland Messenger IL Newspaper Thursday April 2, 1931 Willis J. Hunt Dies Sunday Funeral Tuesday Afternoon at Fairview Church The death angel visited our city Sunday morning about 4:00 o'clock and called one of Oakland's finest men and citizens, Willis J. Hunt. Mr. Hunt had been ill for some time and the end was not unexpected by his wife who has been constantly at his side and his relatives. Mr. Hunt was born near Oakland and all his life has been spent in this vicinity. It was a life beyond reproach as far as the editor of The Messenger knows and all will tell you that Willis Hunt was fair and square in all his dealings with his fellowmen; that he was a splendid citizen, a kind husband, a good neighbor and a man who held the respect of all who knew him. Men of sterling character like our friend are bound to be missed in any community and their passing is noted with regret. The Messenger joins the community in extending sympathy to the bereaved wife, brother and sisters. Willis J. Hunt son of Mr. and Mrs. William Hunt was born November 20, 1880 near Oakland Illinois and all his life was spent in this same community. On December 5, 1906 he was united in marriage to Dimple Hogue of Oakland, Illinois. The following years were full of happiness and greater joy was added on August 24, 1917 when a sweet little daughter, Mary Irma, came to bless their home. After four short years this little treasure was called to her heavenly home. Failing health and broken hearts prompted Dimple and Willis to move to Oakland where they resided until Willis' death March 29, 1931. Willis was a Christian man having been converted at the home of Mr. and Mrs. G. R. Swinford in December 1916 at a cottage prayer meeting during Brother Cummins revival at Fairview. He was always ready and willing to help his friends when possible especially in sorrow and need. He will surely be missed by his faithful companion, Dimple, one brother Sherman Hunt, four sisters, Mrs. Tressa Bradford, Mrs. Louvisa Ashmore, Mrs. Delphia Henn; his father, mother, one sister and four brothers having preceeded him to the Great Beyond. Besides a host of relatives, Willis will be mourned by scores of friends and neighbors but our loss is Heaven's gain. His thoughts were all so full of us We never can forget; And now we think that where he is He must be watching yet. Waiting till we come home to him, Anxious if we are late, Looking from Heaven's window, Leaning from Heaven's gate. Funeral services were conducted from the Fairview church Tuesday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock, Rev. J. L. Goleman officiating, assisted by Rev. Nashley of Paris and Rev. Montague of Kansas, followed by interment in the Fairview cemetery. Fred McAdams and Harry Morris sang "Sometime We'll Understand" and "Going Down the Valley." Will Lauher sang "Does Jesus Care," accompanied by Mrs. Will Lauher at the piano. Pallbearers were: Shelton Swinford, Ed Willorbuy, William Moody, John Dollar, Louis Honn, Sherman Hawkins. The following ladies had charge of the flowers: Mrs. J. A. Hartley, Miss Fern Hunt, Mrs. Irene Temples, Miss Viola Swinford and Mrs. Fern Cooper.