Obituary of Robert Linwood Willis

Robert Linwood Willis was born May 7, 1958 in Moberly, Missouri and departed this life at the age of 56 in his home on December 20, 2014. He was preceded in death by his father Charles Linwood Willis; mother Marguerite Hirst; and brother Rodger Willis. Robert (Bob) was well known for his many talents. After graduating high school he pursued a career in beauty and health. He believed that people have a better outlook on life if they look and feel their best. As a licensed stylist, esthetician and message therapist he earned the reputation of �gifted and passionate� and it wasn�t long before he climbed the ladder to become the Western Regional Manager and Platform Artist for Redken hair products. Around 2007 Bob realized his need for a Savior and gave his heart and life to Jesus Christ. He became a resident of Freedom Through Christ Lighthouse Mission and it wasn�t long before God fine-tuned his gifts and talents and began using him as program coordinator for the ministry. God used his gifts and passion to make a difference in a countless number of men and their families. He dedicated his life to �making a difference� and started sharing his testimony with everyone he met. He was invited to speak in a variety of venues and quickly became involved with many organizations in the community. Missouri Re-Entry Process, Central Missouri Food Bank and Feeding America, Pathways, Cedar Ridge Treatment Center, Salvation Army, Westlake Ministerial Alliance, Missouri Ozarks Community Action, Child Advocacy, Spirit FM, Citizens Against Domestic Violence, Hope House, Lake Area Needs Initiative, Caring & Sharing Foundation, Pregnancy Help Center, New Tribes Mission and The Church at Osage Hills�were some in which he was closely associated. He studied and earned credentials with Medicated Assisted Recovery Services and was a Missouri Recovery Support Specialist. His passion was two-fold��addiction recovery� and �united community�. Lake Ozark Profile magazine recognized him as a �local hero� in their September/October 2013 issue. He served his Lord and his community well and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by two nephews, Jeffrey and Bradley Willis of Los Angeles, California and their families; two step-brothers, Skip Hirst of Lees Summit, Missouri and Cliff Hirst of Shelbyville, Tennessee and their families; also, Herb Parsons of Fort Dodge, Iowa.