Jackie Leroy Willis

Jackie LeRoy Willis, age 82, of Clive, IA, passed into eternity on Oct 8th, at MercyOne hospital in West Des Moines. Jack was born March 29th, 1939, in Arvada, Colorado to Floyd and Bernice (Madden) Willis. He spent his first 6 years in Idaho and Colorado, until after a divorce his mother remarried Homer R. Sirdoreus in 1945, and they moved to Iowa. He dropped out of high school his sophomore year to work, but later received his high school diploma GED. Jack worked for various farmers in the Lorimor and Winterset area, until he began working road construction. He worked for various companies around the Des Moines area and eventually joined the Local Union 234 and was one of the best asphalt paver operators in the area. Jack never did a job halfway or haphazardly, but always put his best into it. His philosophy was to do the job right the first time!! In 1966, he married the Love of his Life, Pearl LaVern (Baker) of Leon, IA. They enjoyed 54 wonderful years together, until her death in February of 2020. Jack’s most beloved past time was snowmobiling, and he would make yearly trips to Wyoming to enjoy and play in the deep powder there, as well as here locally. He also enjoyed tinkering with engines whether it was to repair mowers, his snowmobiles or his vehicles. He also enjoyed spending time with his extended family and watching old re-runs and westerns on TV. He is preceded in death by his mother and stepfather; his wife, Pearl Lavern; brother, Clarence James Willis; and half-brother, Fred Sirdoreus. He is survived by half-sisters, Ruthie Mae Purscell of Ocean Springs, MS, and Rose M. Wiig (Randy) of Lexington, NC; half-brother, Ray Homer Sirdoreus (Sheryl) of Winterset, IA; sisters-in-law, Karen Willis of Galt, MO, and Myrna Willis of Jefferson, MO; as well as many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 5, 2021, from 5:30pm until 6:30pm, with a Celebration of Jackie’s Life at 6:30pm at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Urbandale.