Willis “Walking Willie” Ousley Sr., 77, Warsaw, passed away peacefully in his sleep at 9:10 a.m. Oct. 15, 2014, at the home of his daughter, Kay. He was born March 18, 1937, in Lancer, Ky., to Neddie and Jammia Sammons Ousley. For 35 years, he was married to Bertha, the mother of his children, who preceded him in death. His family moved to Indiana in the early 1950s. He was the owner and operator of Willis Ousley Well Drilling for 45 years. After his retirement he worked part time for Beer & Slaybaugh, Nappanee. He loved being outdoors; he fished, worked in his yard and had a beautiful garden every year. He enjoyed doing hog roasts for his friends and family. He played the harmonica and traveled to bluegrass festivals and played with the Twine brothers, Ricky Prater and The Midnight Travelers. He is survived by his two daughters, Kay (and spouse Tim) Kelly, Warsaw, and LaDell (and spouse Mike) Garee, Clunette; two sons, Willis Jr. and James Ousley, both of Pierceton; eight grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren. He also was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters and three brothers. Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw, with Jeff Underow officiating. Burial is in Sidney Cemetery. Calling is from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral chapel. ***** Memorials to Willis Ousley Sr. Funeral Fund, c/o McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, 2290 Provident Court, Warsaw, IN 46580.
