Willard Drinkwalter
September 29, 1928 - November 16, 2019
Obituary
Willard Ross Drinkwalter passed away peacefully while comfortable in his favorite chair late Saturday morning on November 16, 2019. He was 91 years of age and was residing at the Wyndstone apartments with his wife, Leta. Willard was born on September 29, 1928 in Ainsworth, NE to parents Ross and Mary (Harrison) Drinkwalter. He was baptized in the United Methodist Church. Willard grew up on the family farm east of Crawford, NE with his older siblings, Jean and Pat, along with younger brothers Jesse and Ray. As a young man, Willard enjoyed the competition of rodeo and football with his siblings; a fondness he later shared with his own sons. He graduated from Crawford High School in the class of '46. He married Leta Raymond on May 16, 1949 and they raised their 5 boys in Wyoming, first in Lusk and later Casper, while Willard worked at various trucking companies, building his considerable knowledge of the industry. The family moved to Billings, MT in 1960 where Willard later established W. R. Drinkwalter and Sons Trucking. Willard was a devoted business owner and worked tirelessly to earn his excellent reputation for reliability and integrity. He was involved in the daily operations as late as 2010 and the company is still owned and operated by his sons today. Willard's interest in vintage trucks lead him to join the American Truck Historical Society and he was also a member of several regional and national trucking associations. Willard will be missed by many, and his family fondly remembers his teasing nature and his honesty. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jesse and Ray; an infant daughter, Judy; and his dear grandson, Seth. Willard is survived by his wife, Leta; son Neil (Jean) and their children, Max (Kathy) and Ryan (Marcia); son, Robert (Judy) and their children, Jennifer and Matthew (Darci); son, Jerry (Colleen) and their children, Sommer Phillips (Brian), Drew (Emily) and Taylor; son, Bruce (Sonja) and their children, Ben (Mayuko), Adam, Caleb, Danny and Hannah; son, Gale (Janet) and their children Amber Fremin (Josh), Ashley Castillo (Chris), Trent and Sydney (J.); he is also survived by 3 step-grandchildren Ken, Patty and Jacob; and many great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, November 27, 2019 at Dahl Funeral Chapel with interment to follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens.
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Memories
VH
Vicki Hylland
Other •
Willard- what can I say— he had his own ideas when I knew him these last five years..he always insisted to come with Leta to get her hair done every week ( and to bring her in His Pickup- and told her you can to get in there!!). Always was going to push her all the way in , help her in and out of car, and not happy about being too far from her! I think he loves Leta more than life itself!! He was kinda cantankerous at times but you could tell he had a good heart! And always a piece of hard candy! You could tell he worked hard all his life! God Bless the Drinkwalters in all their losses! Vicki Hylland Salon360
DT
DAN TOTTEN
Other •
My Heart goes out to Leta and the Family. I will miss Willard Deeply, and the Grumpy Smile he always gave me when I got in from a trip. I really appreciate the opportunity he gave me to work with Him, Leta , and the Boy's. I have learned so much hauling oil for him. With love and all my thoughts are with you
LR
Larry Rickert
Other •
Was so glad to have lunch with a Willard and Leta at Flying J truck stop in Billings while I was driving over the road. He was a first cousin and all Drinkwalters are close to my heart.