Deaths
Willis Berton Krout
Willis Berton Krout, 85, of Billings, OK went to be with his Lord on Friday, July 17, 2020. Born on April 19, 1935 in Guthrie, OK to Howard and Alice (Lucas), he lived his early years in Glencoe, OK where he attended Glencoe Public Schools. On July 19, 1957, Willis and Juanita Krout were married in her hometown of Morrison. They chose Billings as their home, spending the rest of their lives as proud members of the community. There, they raised their daughter, Dianna and two sons, Roger and Richard. Over the many years, Billings was also the second home to their 8 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.
Willis was loved by many, as he was best known for his kind, compassionate, and humble spirit. He never missed an opportunity to strike a conversation and never forgot a person’s face or name. He had a passion for family and never passed up the chance to show his love and support. Willis spent countless hours playing and refereeing sports, especially baseball and softball. Willis took great pride in his farm and cattle, also making lasting memories with his family. He also traveled across land and sea to visit family, creating fond lasting memories. One to lead by example, he taught many valuable life lessons through hard work and devotion to God.
Willis was always eager to lend a hand to friends, neighbors, and the community. He worked for Charles Machine Works in Perry from 1970 until his retirement in 1998. He enjoyed volunteering to help the FFA and 4-H clubs with local stock shows and other community events.
Willis is survived by his brother Harold and his wife Linda from Ponca City; brother-in-law Jake Richardson of Dexter, KS; daughter Dianna and her husband Kent Ditmore of Tonkawa; son, Richard and his wife Julieta Krout of Ann Arbor, MI; daughter-in-law Marylin and her husband Larry Rink of Douglas. His seven grandchildren include Christa Ramey and husband Quentin of Tonkawa, Kayce Davis and husband Edmond of Edmond, Kris Krout and wife Stacy of Fairmont; Leah Kelle and husband Josh of Tonkawa, Kara Milacek and husband Daniel of Waukomis, Richard Krout II of Ann Arbor, MI and Alexa Krout of Chicago, IL.
His 18 great grandchildren include Kaelyn, Landri, and Coehn Ramey; Makayla, Makenzie, Mariah, and Malachi Davis; Kynly, Kaes, Kole, and Kreed Krout; Kade Ditmore, Hayes, Brody, and Mila Kelle; Ava, Broox, and Brogan Milacek.
Willis was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife, Juanita Krout; his brother, Dale Krout; his sister, Lois Richardson; beloved son, Roger Krout; and grandson, Daniel Windler.
A public graveside service will be held at the Billings Union Cemetery on Friday, July 24th at 10:00 am. A small memorial service for family members will be held afterward at the Billings First Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, Willis requested contributions be made to the Billings Union Cemetery maintenance fund.
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