Willis Hanlon

Willis Earl Hanlon, born October 15, 1927 in Sterling, Kansas, passed away August 3, 2015. He resided in Olathe, Kansas, the city that he called home for more than sixty years. A visitation will be held at 10:00 AM with a memorial service at 11:00 AM on August 8th, at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 14275 Blackbob Road, Olathe, Kansas. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation and to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.
Willis was born to Earl Strong Hanlon and Marie Willis Hanlon in Sterling, Kansas. Willis' family relocated as his father's job as a government meteorologist necessitated. Willis, at the age of 16, left home to serve in World War II, in the Pacific theater. He served in the Navy, as a UDT diver. His close friend, Navy Commander Albert Lubberts, told Willis' grandchildren of his many accomplishments and acts of courage, stories that seemed like tall tales of daring and deadly missions, stories that still leave them in awe.
Upon the death of his father, Earl, Willis returned from the war. After a short period of time Willis found the love of his life, Marolyn J. Applebaugh. They were married July 18, 1947 in Olathe, Kansas. Willis and Marolyn had their first child, Michael E. Hanlon, on March 8, 1948 and from there their household continued to grow with Patricia Hanlon Epting on November 7, 1950; Pamela Hanlon Soper on October 15, 1953; Brian Hanlon on November 20, 1956.
Willis worked as an aviation storekeeper at the Olathe Naval air station, a division staff supervisor over the material control section at Westinghouse, and retired as the executive secretary for Patron's Insurance. At the age of 42, Willis suffered a heart attack. Though his life was challenged by this setback, his faith in God kept him strong. His faith was a guiding light and strength that he shared with all he met. He was an elder in the First Presbyterian Church of Olathe for more than 40 years.
Willis helped people in need, and in many cases he and his wife, Marolyn, took people into their home who needed a family. This same heart and mentality stayed with him even after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, and as the years progressed, he lost none of his kindness or his willingness to love. In the past few years he could be found in his yard gardening with his wife, a task they shared almost every day.
Willis leaves behind his wife Marolyn, son Michael and his wife Ann, daughter Pamela and her husband Mel, grandchildren Mindy, B.J., Kathy, and Timothy. He is preceded in death by his parents Earl and Marie, brother Robert, daughter Patricia, son Brian, and granddaughter Holly.

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