Obituary of Paul Wesley Willbanks

Mr. Paul Wesley “Pete” Willbanks passed away on Thursday, July 30, 2020 at his home in Roach, Missouri, following a long illness, with his wife by his side. Mr. Willbanks was born in Springfield, Missouri to John Wesley Willbanks and Maudie Lucille Green Willbanks on October 25, 1933. After high school, he joined the US Marine Corps from 1953 – 1956 as a truck driver in the 7th Transport Division. He served in the Korean Conflict and was a sergeant when he was discharged. Pete continued as a truck driver his entire career and worked for several companies. He took an early retirement after working for BeMac for 25 years. Mr. Willbanks married the love of his life, Mary Louise Stapp Willbanks on June 22, 1957, after a whirlwind romance of 4 months. They were married 63 years and Mary lovingly took care of him during his long illness until he passed away. After early retirement, Pete and Mary moved to their home in Roach, Missouri. They tirelessly worked side by side for many years remodeling their home on Lake of the Ozarks. Mr. Willbanks was preceded in death by his parents; a sister Betty Jean Burton; and brothers John Robert Willbanks, Joseph William Willbanks, and Jack Willbanks. He is survived by his wife Mary Louise Willbanks of the home; a sister Vonda June Blakely of Bryant, Arkansas; a step-son Keith Maycock of Riverside, California; a granddaughter Nicole Maycock of San Juan Capistrano, California; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Visitation services will be held Wednesday August 5, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Hedges-Scott Funeral Home in Camdenton, Missouri. Graveside services with Full Military Honors will be Wednesday August 5, at the White Chapel Memorial Gardens in Springfield, Missouri at 2:00 p.m.