Willis Otto Weston

Willis “Willie” Otto Weston, age 77, of Pickford, Michigan, died at his home, surrounded by his family on April 23, 2017. Willie was born August 19, 1939 in Pickford to Kenneth Otto Weston and Hazel Arbutus (Eveleigh) Weston. Willie grew up in Pickford attending Pickford schools. He joined the United States Army in 1963 and served during the Vietnam War, working as an aircraft engine mechanic. Upon completing his tour in the Army, he returned home and married Terrie Lea Kelly on September 18, 1965. They made their home and raised their family in Pickford. Willie worked on the International Bridge in Sault Ste. Marie, completed his high school diploma, worked for Muller Brass Co. In 1970, he began working for United States Steel at their limestone quarry in Cedarville, Michigan. Willie worked mostly in train repair for the quarry for 27 years until he retired in 1997. Willie was active in the American Legion post #323 in Pickford, the VFW posts #7958 in Cedarville, and #9023 in Brimley, and the Raber Amvets post #79. He participated in countless Veterans functions including honor guards, parades, and flag details. Willie was known for his broad smile and his immediate willingness to help anyone who needed his help. Willie played the fiddle, mandolin, and the banjo. He liked to hunt and fish. He also liked to play bingo, and loved to spend time with his family and especially his grandchildren. Willie is survived by his wife, Terrie Weston; sons, Roger Lee (Tammy Hale) Weston of Pickford, and Daniel Paterek Weston, of Sault Ste. Marie; grandchildren, Celestial, Hayley, Aaron, Robert, Angela; and great-grandchildren, Emily, Connor, and Madeline. Willie is also survived by his sister, Marion Elda (Ron) Edgerly of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan; sister-in-law, Linda Weston of Evington, Virginia; brother-in-law, Steven Kelly of Pickford; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Willie was preceded in death by his parents; brother, James W. Weston; and his brother-in-law, Albert Kelly. A memorial service, with full military honors, will be announced later this spring. R. Galer Funeral Home in Pickford, Michigan is serving the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rgalerfuneralhome.com.

Tributes

Willis Otto Weston

August 19, 1939 - April 23, 2017