Willard Kizer

Willard F. Boe Kizer

The children of Willard Franklin Boe Kizer would like to inform his remaining family, friends, and acquaintances of their fathers passing on Thursday, July 18, 2013 at the age of 97. Willard Boe was born on December 13, 1915 in Ponca City, the son of Charles and Alta May Martin Kizer.

Boe grew up on the family farm in Osage County and attended school through the 9th grade until he quit to help on the farm. He met and married his wife, the mother of his children, Opal P. Mitchell Kizer on January 22, 1938. The day after their marriage he lost his job which forced them to move in with relatives until he secured a job with Continental Oil Company working in the refinery.

From this marriage three children were born Harlan Franklin in 1939, Nila Fern in 1941 and Marvin Robert Bobby in 1945.

Boe continued to work for Conoco for 36 years retiring in 1974. After his retirement, Boe and Opal owned and operated several restaurants in Ponca City, the last being Opals Caf, now known as Happy Days at 5th and Grand. Opal preceded him in death in October 1983.

Boe then married Cleo George Kizer in 1987 and they resided in rural Arkansas City until Cleos death in 2008. After his 2nd wifes death he moved to Sterling House in Arkansas City where he lived until his passing.

In his younger years Boe enjoyed being with family, hunting, fishing and working on his small farm in Osage County. Boe was a hard worker and took on tasks with enthusiasm from remodeling a house, building kitchen cabinets, rebuilding an engine, digging a storm shelter with a slip and mule, also bucking hay, plowing fields with horses, growing an enormous garden, cooking and playing water war with the kids. He will be sorely missed.

Boe is survived by his sons, Harlan and wife Ruby of St. Joseph, Missouri, Bobby and wife Larie of Tulsa and daughter Nila and husband Larry Speakman of Ponca City two stepdaughters, Glennora and husband Richard Reed and Jackie Dodson or rural Newkirk along with five grandchildren, several great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents both wives, his sister Mazie Baker and brother Warner Lee Kizer, an infant brother and two infant grandsons.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, July 22, 2013 at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery with Rev. Mark Lyon presiding. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. In lieu of flowers those wishing may make a donation to their favorite charity.