Kice Leon 'Shorty' Wills

Kice Leon ‘Shorty’ Wills, 90, of Fort Gibson, OK, went home to be with the Lord Friday, August 30, 2024, with his loving family by his side. Born on December 2, 1933, to Sterling and Maggie Wills, in Fort Gibson, Leon’s family moved to Chelsea, Oklahoma where he received his formal education graduating from Chelsea High School in 1951. He began his career as a jockey in the early 1960s, showcasing his passion for horses and the thrill of racing. His adventurous spirit led him to various places throughout his life, including Wichita, KS; Lewisville, TX; Conroe, TX; Chandler, AZ; and Chelsea, Claremore, Vinita, Verdigris, and Owasso in OK. For 34 and a half years, he served as a sales manager for Harley Industries, where his dedication and work ethic were evident to all who knew him. Leon was not only a successful professional but also a devoted family man. He married the love of his life, LaMona May Sullenger, on October 31, 1952, and together they shared an incredible 71 and a half years of marriage. They were each other’s sunshine, and their bond was a testament to love, commitment, and partnership, inspiring all who witnessed their journey together. A man of faith, Leon was an active member of the New Life Assembly of God in Fort Gibson. His commitment to his faith and the Lord was further demonstrated through his role as the commander of the Royal Rangers for an astounding 45 years. He was instrumental in starting the Rangers in Oklahoma in 1962, where he not only taught survival skills, but also instilled values of faith and manhood in the young boys he mentored. His playful spirit shone through in his pranks, such as killing and skinning an opossum and pretending to cook opossum stew for his group, which brought laughter and joy to all events. Leon was a true survivalist, with a love for camping, fishing, and hunting. He cherished the great outdoors and often shared these passions with his family. His daughter, Judy, fondly remembers the times spent working on cars together, getting their hands greasy and bonding over their shared interests. Leon had a knack for fixing things, long before the age of computers, and his resourcefulness was admired by many. Known for his infectious smile and iconic handlebar mustache, Leon had a way of lighting up a room. His warmth and kindness touched the lives of everyone he met, and he will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Leon is preceded in death by his parents; three siblings; daughter, Beverly Jeanette Riley; and grandson, Jeffery Riley. Those left to cherish Leon’s memories are his wife, LaMona May Wills of the home; daughters, Judy Wills of Muskogee, OK and Ruth Winder of Glasgow, MT; son, Mike Wills of Sealy, TX; ten grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and call it nine great-great-grandchildren. A celebration of life will be held for Kice Leon ‘Shorty’ Wills at 11AM Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at New Life Assembly of God in Fort Gibson, OK with Pastor Lonnie Orman officiating. Jerry Wayne Morrison, Billy Rains, Scott Scherer, and David Hedge will be serving as casket bearers and Stan Smith will be serving as honorary casket bearer. Committal service and interment will follow at Citizens Cemetery in Fort Gibson, OK. The family of Kice Leon 'Shorty' Wills has entrusted his care, service and burial to Clifford D Garret Family Funeral Home, Fort Gibson. Online condolences can be left for Leon’s family at clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com

Kice Leon 'Shorty' Wills

December 2, 1933 - August 30, 2024