Obituary of Willard Herschel Jeffries

Bedford – Willard Herschel Jeffries, 85, of Bedford, died Sunday, August 21, 2016 at Garden Villa in Bedford. Born June 29, 1931 in Oolitic, he was the son of Bertie Alice (Owen) and Harvey Glen Jeffries. He graduated from Oolitic High School with the class of 1950 and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on April 27, 1951. He served in the Korean War from Scott AFB, IL and was discharged with honors on April 26, 1955. He married Kathleen Adams of Ramsey, IL on February 22, 1955 and she preceded him in death on October 17, 2014, four months before their 60th wedding anniversary. They lived most of their married life in Bedford, but also lived in Ranchester, WY. Willard Herschel worked briefly at RCA and the U.S. Postal Service before an electronics career in civil service at the Naval Surface Warfare Center at Crane, IN. He enjoyed reading, movies, treasure hunting, radio and electronics, and spending time with his family. He attended Southland Church of Christ where he served as an Elder and Bible teacher. He is survived by three children, Willard Calvin Jeffries of Trier, Germany, Diana Daggy of Mitchell, IN and Karen Espenant of Nashville, TN; grandchildren, Nikolas Jeffries, Vanessa Jeffries, Nathaniel and Amber Jeffries, Tristan Jeffries, Arthur and Sarah Helton, Mary Kathleen and Danny Curtis, Patrick Brown, Billy and Daniel Daggy, as well as great grandchildren, Draezen Helton, Kristopher, Lucas, Sean and Ronin Jeffries, Adain Jeffries and one sister, Edna Irene Piper and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Kathleen, two brothers, Harvey Price and Clifford Loren Jeffries. Graveside services will be conducted at 2:30 pm on Thursday, August 25th at Cresthaven Memory Gardens with military rites accorded at the graveside by members of Gillen Post #33 American Legion. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon until 2:00 pm on Thursday, August 25th at the Day & Carter Mortuary. Family and friend may express condolences at www.daycarter.com.