Willis James DeSpain was born on January 19, 1927 at Wayne County, Missouri the son of Henry and Pearl (Wakefield) DeSpain and passed away at his residence in Marquand on April 1, 2013 at the age of 86 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, and four sisters. He is survived by his wife Mary K. (Bess) DeSpain whom he was united in marriage to on July 4, 1964 at Marquand, one sister Geraldine Maize of Illinois, and many nieces and nephews. Willis was a member of the First Baptist Church in Marquand.

Visitation; 5:00 p.m. Thursday, April 4, 2013 at the Follis and Sons Funeral Home

Funeral Service; 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 5, 2013 at the Follis and Sons Chapel

Officiating; Bro. Tommy Knowdell

Interment; Whitener Cemetery - Marquand, Missouri

Pallbearers; Gary Hovis, Terry Hovis, Mark Hovis, Ronnie Bess, Chris Bess, Todd Bess, Greg Bess