Roger H. Willey

WILLEY, SCOTT, HAKEN, ARFSTEN, ISHAM

Posted By: diane beier (email)
Date: 3/25/2016 at 13:48:22

Roger H. Willey, 84, of Independence, Iowa, died Friday evening, August 3, 2012, at the Buchanan County Health Center in Independence, Iowa.

Roger was born on September 14, 1927, in Independence, Iowa the son of Horace B. and Hazel (Scott) Willey. Roger graduated from the Independence High School in 1945 and entered the US Navy serving until his discharge in August 1946. Following his discharge he attended the University of Iowa for 2 years. On June 6, 1948 he was married to Joan Hanken in Oelwein, Iowa. Roger and his mother owned and operated the Willey’s Bookstore from the early 1940’s until the fall of 1956. Roger was elected Buchanan County Recorder for two terms leaving to take a position as manager of the Buchanan County Abstract Office for 49 years prior to his retirement in 2005.

Roger was best known as the “Voice of the Mustangs” announcing both the Independence Mustangs Football and Basketball games for fifty four years, earning himself a spot in the Iowa High School Athletic Union’s Hall of Fame, and the press box located at Leinbaugh Field in Independence was named in Roger’s honor.

During his years as businessman, he was member of the Independence Federal Bank for Savings Board of Directors since 1967 and was Past President of the Iowa State Association of Abstractors. He was also active in the Independence Chamber of Commerce, American Legion, Draft Board, and the Zoning Commission. He was a lifelong member of the Wapsipinicon Golf Club and served as President and House Chair of the club.

He was also an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, serving as an elder, and sang in the church choir for over sixty years. His vocal talents took him beyond singing in the church choir; he also participated in the minstrel singing group that used to perform at the Malek Theater and in a Barber Shop Quartet.

Roger will long be remembered by his community involvement, his singing, his many friends, his smiling and whistling. He was a great husband, a wonderful father, grandfather, great grandfather, son, brother, and a good friend to many.

He is survived by his wife Joan Willey, Independence, IA., two daughters; Jane (Lon) Arfsten, Franklin, Wisconsin, and Lynn (Bill) Isham, Independence, Iowa, three grandchildren; Jonathan and Daniel Arfsten, and Alexandra Isham, two great grandchildren; Sofia and Dylan Arfsten.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers; John and Charles Willey.

Funeral services will be held at 10 A.M. Monday at the First Presbyterian Church, Independence, IA., with Rev. John Hougen officiating.

Burial will be in the Wilson Cemetery, Independence, IA.

Friends may call from 2 to 6 PM Sunday at the Reiff Funeral Home & Crematory, Independence where a Military Memorial Service will be held at 4 P.M. Sunday.