John Willsey, Jr.

John Willsey, Jr., age 79, of Kadoka, South Dakota, died on Sunday, June 19, 2022 at Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip.

A celebration of life gathering will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 16, 2022 at the Frying Pan Ranch Cemetery near Kadoka.

John Lyle Willsey, Jr., better known as “Arkie” by his family and friends, was born August 29, 1942 in Los Angeles, California to John Sr. and Mary Martha (Pettyjohn) Willsey.

John lived most of his life in Oklahoma and Arkansas where he received his education and graduated while living with his grandparents John J. and Pearl Willsey in Muse, Oklahoma.

During the summer seasons he spent much of his time with the Pettyjohns and at the Frying Pan Ranch south of Kadoka. John Lyle joined the United States Air Force on January 19, 1962. He was in communications and spent some time in Wiesbaden, Germany. He was honorably discharged on May 5, 1964.

John was a roofer by trade and did a variety of other odd jobs over the years. When in good health he enjoyed listening to music, singing, and playing the guitar or piano with friends and relatives. He also enjoyed telling stories. Later in life his highlight was getting to know his daughter, Jennifer Marie Anderson Willsey, who was born in 1982.

Survivors include his sisters Peggy of California, Linda of North Carolina, Gail of Tennessee, and Cathy of Nebraska; special friend Bonnie Riggins of Kadoka; close cousins Brett (Tammy) Prang of Kadoka; and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Jennifer in 2002; his parents; and a sister Ruth.

Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Kadoka.