In Loving Memory of Willard Hazen Bone Jr.

1926 - 2024

Willard Hazen Bone, Jr., 98, went to be with the Lord, December 1, 2024.

Willard was born on April 18, 1926, in Granite City, Illinois to Willard Hazen Bone, Sr., and Georgia Mae Bruce-Bone. He was one of 8 children.

From a young age Willard attended a Pentecostal church with his parents, he was converted and baptized at 12yrs old and received the gift of the Holy Spirit at age 15. From this point forward he taught classes, recognized, and accepted the call of God on his life. He was called into military service December 18th, 1944, into the Army Air Force and was a gunner on the B-17 Flying Fortress, a four-engine bomber during WWII. He later became a cook and chaplain during his time of service.

He married Lillie Jo Hastings, August 18, 1945, shortly after meeting her at a campground meeting in Mercedes, Texas. Willard chose to exit his military service and was honorably discharged in 1946. Willard and Lillie Jo attended Central Bible Institute from 1946-1949. Their 75 years of marriage was based upon faith, trust, and mutual devotion to each other. Together, they raised their two sons, Douglas & Daniel, in a God-centered home. They gave their lives to serving God and bring hope and salvation to others.

With Lillie Jo by his side, Willard operated as a five fold minister and served as Pastor, Evangelist, Missionary, Vacation Bible School Director, Sunday School Superintendent, Church School Principal, as well as held many other positions within the church. During their time in ministry, they traveled and had a hand in the work of God in Oklahoma, Texas, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, and New Mexico. Willard was also a part of missions and church plants in Guatemala, Haiti, Mexico, Taiwan, and Kenya and later became an Apostolic Elder.

Willard's life was governed by faith and dedication to God, He had an innate love and compassion for people, which was evident in the way he cared for the flocks he oversaw. He never met a stranger and always sought an opportunity to spread the GOOD NEWS of God's love. He preached funerals, wrote poems, and visited the sick. Willard often shared a spoken word in service, or sang a song with his guitar, accompanied by Lillie on the piano. He loved to have his family join him to sing when they were with him. All who met Willard were blessed by his kind and generous spirit.

Willard is survived by his sons, Douglas Bone, wife; Sherry, and Daniel Bone, wife; Marlene, and daughter Judy Clayton. He also leaves behind grandchildren Stephen, Stephanie, Sean, Tiffany, and Matthew; six great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren, with a 3rd on the way.

Willard was preceded in death by his wife, Lillie Jo Bone, his parents, and his 7 siblings.

*In the words of Willard Hazen Bone Jr. we extend a heartfelt thank you to many of you.

"In all of the churches I have worked in, nothing could have been accomplished without the good men and women who stood by the churches and worked together for the Lord. I thank God for all whose names may never be mentioned in this lifetime but are mentioned in the Lamb's book of life."

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Azle Funeral Chapel on the grounds of Azleland Cemetery. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., at Azle Funeral Chapel.