Willard Wilson Chewning, 93, of Sedalia passed away on Friday, March 13, 2015 at his home.  He was born on July 6, 1921 in La Monte, MO a son of Charles and Martha Jane (Stone) Chewning.

On February 9, 1957 in Riverdale, IL he was united in marriage to Helen Paxton, who survives of the home.

Willard retired from railroad engineering with the B & O Railroad after 37 years.  In Sedalia, he worked as a security guard for Hayes Wheels and on the MO State Fairgrounds.  He loved to go fishing, gardening, canning vegetables and pickles.  He enjoyed working in his yard and helping his neighbors with theirs.  Willard played the harmonica, ballroom and square danced, and loved to sing.  He was a member of The Moose Lodge BPOE 1425 and the VFW Post 2591.  He served his country honorably in the US Navy during WWII.

Besides his wife, he is survived by three children, Melva Jean Monteer of La Monte, Mary Elizabeth Neal-Jerrell and her husband Rhea of Abilene, KS and Darryl Chewning and his wife Cathy of Ionia; 21 grandchildren; several great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one daughter, Helen Patricia Ellis; five sisters and five brothers.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, March 18, 2015 at Rea Funeral Chapel, Sedalia with Rev. Dan Hankins officiating.

Family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, Tuesday, March 17, 2015 also at the funeral chapel.

Full military honors will be conducted by the VFW Post 2591 at Memorial Park Cemetery, Sedalia.

Pallbearers will be Dakota Chewning, Dustin Cook, Jon Wirtz, Willard Wirtz, Duane Hansen and Christopher Hansen.
Honorary bearers will be Scott Campbell, Austin Chewning, Tracy Neal, Jamie Neal, Sequoia Newland, Devin Neal and Matthew Wirtz.

Memorial contributions are suggested to The American Heart Association or The American Cancer Society in care of the funeral chapel.

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