C. Melvin “Mivi” Willis, 95, Chanute, died Thursday, February 26, 2009, at the Heritage Health Care Center.

He was born May 16, 1913, in Galesburg to Chester C. and Hazel Redman Willis. During his childhood the family moved to Chanute and he graduated from Chanute High School. He graduated from the Fort Scott Junior College and then attended Emporia State Teachers College.

On Sept. 4, 1937, he married Arliene L. Lorenc in Parsons.

For many years the couple lived in Luray, where he farmed and was employed as a surveyor for Russell County.

In 2003 they returned to Chanute and had lived in the nursing home the past three years.

He was a member of the Luray United Methodist Church. He loved the out of doors and enjoyed fishing, hunting and golfing. .

Survivors include his wife of 71 years, Arliene Willis, of the Heritage Health Care Center in Chanute; a sister, Jean Budd, Ridgefield, Conn.; and numerous nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews

He was preceded in death by a brother, Owen Willis; and two sisters, Margaret Fern Martin and Louise Ricks.

Graveside services will be 3:30 p.m. Sunday at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Galesburg. Arrangements are under the direction of Carson-Wall Funeral Home, Parsons.

Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Contributions to Kansas State University Wildcats Athletic Department may be made in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357.