KayMar Willis

KayMar Willis
Antimony, Utah

KayMar Willis, 69, returned to his Heavenly Home Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 1:40 AM at the LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City. KayMar was born on May 11, 1955, in the Panguitch Hospital, to Leslie Von “Bonnie” Lefevre and Elroy “Roy” Patterson Willis. He was raised in Bryce Canyon Country; where a love for red rocks, pink cliffs and small town living rooted him body mind and spirit. He was taught by his parents and his community to work hard, love nature, and serve your God, country, family and friends.

He graduated from Bryce Valley High School as a member of the class of 1973. He attended Utah Valley Tech before serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Missouri, Independence mission. He married Mary Jean Roach in the Manti Temple, February 4, 1977. Together they created a family and homes in the same Bryce Canyon Country KayMar grew up in. KayMar and Mary enjoyed time spent together watching BYU sports, planting flowers, gardens, temple service and serving in their various callings for the Church. But their greatest happiness was mentoring and cheering on their eight “K” kids.

KayMar loved to be outside. He felt blessed to find jobs and career opportunities that allowed him to work outdoors. Cutting trees, grooming trails, building bridges, and constructing rock walls were just a few of the things he considered perks of working for the Forest Service, Escalante Saw Mill, and the Division of Utah State Parks and Recreation at Kodachrome Basin and Otter Creek Reservoir.

KayMar engaged in a variety of athletic and artistic talents. His favorite sports were basketball, track, and cross-country running. Not only did he participate in these sports but he also coached them at Lake Powell Schools, Piute High School, and Antimony Bantam basketball. He organized long distance races too, the Journey for Sight Run for the Bryce Lyons Club and the Antimony Fun Run. His favorite art medium was clay. He learned to spin a ceramic’s wheel in college and even sold some of his pieces at roadside stands to support his family during those years. He made pots for home decor, food storage and even Christmas ornaments for the grandkids.

He had an eclectic taste for music that spanned across all genres. He taught himself to play the guitar and harmonica. And he shared his talents with friends and family, playing and singing at family reunions and parties.

KayMar had a gift for making new friends. His gentle approach to communication served him well as a coach, park ranger, parent, and especially as a senior missionary in a foreign country. After retiring as Lake Powell School teachers, KayMar and Mary served in the Philippines, Bacolod mission for 18 months. In addition to serving as a missionary, KayMar also served his ward families in several bishoprics, Elders Quorum presidencies, Sunday school teacher, Young Men’s and nursery leader. He had a strong testimony of Jesus Christ, the Atonement, and the Plan of Salvation.

KayMar is survived by his faithful wife, Mary; his children: Kati (Bryan) Cox, Kori (Cheston) Slater, Kami (Ben) Roberts, Kent (Kristen) Willis, Kyle (Hailee) Willis, Kwin (Megan) Willis, Koby (Aleshea) Willis, and Koye Willis; 29 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter; brothers: Cornell (Kathryn) Willis, Quinn (Georgia) Willis, and Steven (Louise) Willis.

He is preceded in death by his parents Roy and Bonnie Willis; an infant brother; sister-in-law, Terry Hansen Willis; and niece Stefanie, Willis Kline.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in the Antimony Ward Chapel. Viewings: at the church Monday evening from 6-7 p.m. or Tuesday morning from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Burial will be at 2:30 p.m. in the Henrieville Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com