Willard Smith Oliver 1910 - 1983

SMITH, OLIVER, BUSS

Posted By: Connie Swearingen- Volunteer (email)
Date: 7/21/2016 at 19:46:21

Onawa Democrat
31 March 1983

Well Known Onawa Businessman Passes Away

Willard Smith Oliver, a lifelong resident of Onawa, Iowa, and well-known business man, died on March 22, 1983, at Burgess Memorial Hospital in Onawa following a brief illness. Death came at the age of 73 years, one month and 14 days.

He was born in Onawa on February 8, 1910, the son of the late Frank G. and Stella Smith Oliver. He was a graduate of the Onawa High School. On May 29, 1940, he was united in marriage with Ida Buss at Sioux City, Iowa. He served his country in the army during World War II and returned to Onawa following service and was with the Oliver Insurance and Real Estate Agency. He directed the Agency from 1938 until his retirement in 1978.

Willard was always active in church and community activities. He was a lifelong member of the Congregational United Church of Christ in Onawa where he served as trustee and usher for many years and was a member and past president of the Men’s Fellowship and a Councilman at Large.

He was a 45 year member of the Onawa Kiwanis Club having served as treasurer for five years and was on the boy’s and girl’s committee. He served on the Community Recreation Program and was Treasurer for 10 years and was fund chairman a number of times. He helped organize the Onawa Community Chest in 1960 and was fund co-chairman. He was Treasurer of the Onawa Public School for 12 years. He was a member of the Onawa Chamber of Commerce and David McNeill Post No. 129 American Legion in Onawa.

Willard was actively involved with the Boy Scouts. He assisted with the fund drives for over 15 years, served on the Scout Committee for five years and Den Dad for three years and Patrol Dad for three years. He was Assistant Scoutmaster, Assistant Explorer Advisor, Explorer Advisor and assisted in district camporess for several years. On December 8, 1960, he was awarded the Silver Beaver Award.

Survivors are his wife, Ida, of Onawa; one son, Jerrold, of Winterset, Iowa; four grandchildren, Keith, Susan, James, Lauren; one brother, Gordon Oliver of Onawa; and two sisters, Mrs. Leo (Esther) Hansen of Onawa and Mrs. Mildred Feller of Malvern, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 25, 1963, at the U.C.C. Congregational Church, Onawa, Iowa, with Rev. Donald Stell officiating. The organist was Mrs. Robert Oehler.

Casket bearers were fellow members of the Church Choir; Robert Zimmerman, Robert Prichard, Terrance Virtue, James Williams, Leonard Davis and Neil Heiser.

Interment was in the Onawa Cemetery, Onawa, Iowa, with arrangements by Pearson Funeral Home. Onawa, Iowa.