Willard Lee "Willie" Poague

Willard Lee “Willie” Poague, age 79, longtime Grants Pass area resident, died Saturday, January 8, 2011 following a short illness.

A viewing will be from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Thursday, January 13, 2011 at Hull & Hull Funeral Directors.

A celebration of life will be at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, January 15, 2011 at Hull & Hull Chapel with Pastor Wes Winn officiating.

Willie was born December 12, 1931 in Rich Hill, Missouri to Leslie & Thelma Poague. His early years were spent growing up on a farm with his family. In 1952 he moved to Oregon and shortly thereafter joined the United States Army serving in Korea, Germany, and Italy. Following his military service, he moved with his wife and family to the Grants Pass area where he spent most of his adult life working in the local plywood industry.

He enjoyed numerous outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, and gold prospecting. He especially loved his large family.

Survivors include his wife, Darlene Poague of Grants Pass, Oregon; four children, Ramona Brown and David Poague both of Round Mountain, Nevada, Susan McLean of Reno, Nevada, and Judy Campbell of Grants Pass, Oregon; 12 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; four sisters, Wanetta Dryer of Grants Pass, Oregon, Alice Fritter of Richards, Missouri, Betty Smith of Adrian, Missouri and Viola Kinman of Medford, Oregon; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie Lewis Poague and Thelma Poague; a sister, Wanda Newport; two brothers, Lewis Poague and Harold Poague.