Robert Warren Willis

Robert Warren “Bob” Willis was born 9/30/1930 in Udall Kansas to Clifford John “Buster” and Ethel Mildred Willis. He was the oldest of seven siblings and grew up in Kansas. In Kansas he met the love of his life Marcelyn Selbe. They married on Oct 2nd, 1948, at the age of 18. In 1949 the family moved to Rangely CO to follow other family who were working in the booming oil industry. Bob and Marcelyn had 5 children: Barbara, Bonnie, Bill, Patty, and Linda. Bob and Marcelyn raised all their children in Rangely CO in the Chevron Oil Camps while he worked for The Chevon Oil Company. 

Bob had many hobbies and was an avid outdoors man. He loved hunting, fishing, trapping, riding 4 wheelers, snowmobiling, time with family, and hammering nails. The hobby of hammering nails lead Bob to build the beautiful family cabin near Buford CO where Bob and Marcelyn retired after 37 years with Chevron Oil. 

In retirement Bob stayed busy with all his mountain outdoor hobbies as well as working for White River Forestry Department keeping campgrounds clean. He spent many hours traveling the dirt roads around the cabin and knew the land better than most. When the elements of mountain living at the cabin became a little too hard Bob and Marcelyn moved to Fruita CO in 2005 to be closer to family. In Fruita Bob still needed to stay busy by swinging his hammer and working as a ranch hand on a small local ranch. 

After 94 years of good living Bob’s shining light went out on 4/20/25 (Easter Sunday) at his Fruita home with his wife of 76 years by his side. During his time on earth, he built a strong root system with 5 children, 17 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren.

In remembrance of Bob a memorial service will be held Friday, May 23rd, at 4 PM at Brown’s Funeral Home, Grand Junction CO. The family will also do a Celebration of Bob’s life Saturday, Oct 4th, at 1 PM at the cabin he built near Buford CO.

Flowers are welcome for the memorial service or memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://donorservices.alz.org