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The Klickitat County News, Goldendale, WA., February 21, 1935, page 1

R.J. "BOB" WILLIS LAID TO REST; SERVICES IMPRESSIVE
Hundreds of Friends Attend Funeral of Goldendale's Pioneer Merchant;
Ill but Few Days; Pneumonia Tales Toll as Heart Gives Way
By MARION SEXTON

R.J. "Bob" Willis is gone!
His early remains were laid to rest in the Catholic cemetery on the slopes of the hills he loved so well Monday afternoon. He rests at the side of his wife and son who preceded him in death some years ago.
"Bob," as his hundreds of friends to this and neighboring communities where wont to call him, passed from this sphere Saturday afternoon following an illness of only a few days. A severe cold had settled in his lungs and pneumonia resulted. For two days, nurses and his family physician battled tirelessly to save his life but while the attendants were changing oxygen tents, "Bob's" heart failed and life flickered.
Services were conducted at the Chapman chapel Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock with hundreds of neighbors and friends in attendance. The Masonic lodge of Goldendale with whom he was associated had complete supervision of the chapel rites. It was a wish of "Bob" that his lodge associates conduct these, the last earthly rites, over his remains.
Nearly 100 lodge members gathered at the Masonic temple and marched enmasse to the chapel where the services were conducted. Bert Knox, acting master, recited the service in an impressive manner. He was assisted by C.H. Knosher, acting chaplain.
Master Knox eulogized Goldendale's one-time first citizen and stressed the life of "Bob" as one of extreme generosity and usefulness. The obituary, prepared by Mr. Knox, was read before the throng that packed the chapel to capacity. All of those attending the rights could not be seated in the chapel and many stood with bared heads on the outside.
Beautiful banks of freshly cut flowers, arranged in impressive banks around the casket bespoke the token of esteem in which Goldendale's "Bob" was held. Goldendale business houses, everyone, halted their regular routine of business for one hour, from 2 to 3 o'clock Monday afternoon and honored one of the town's best and most favorably known citizens.
"Bob" Willis, a familiar figure in Goldendale, will hesitate no more on the local streets to pass a word of cheer, or speak a friendly "hello" to his friends, but the memory of his generous life, a large part of which was given in the development of the Klickitat valley, will lingered in the hearts of hundreds.
Pallbearers were George H. Hyatt, W.F. Byars, R.D. Sunderland, D.S. Tebbs, D. Ledbetter and Dr. F. H. Collins.

Obituary

Robert J. Willis was born in San Francisco on November 6, 1862, the son of Jim and Margaret Willis. He grew to manhood in that city, where in 1885 he married May Lewis. To them three children were born: Howard who died in infancy, Hazel and Lillian.
In 1895, Mr. Willis moved to Treadwell, Alaska, where for 12 years he was manager of the store of the Treadwell Gold Mining company, then the largest producing gold mine in the world.
Mr. Willis' first wife died in 1898. In 1903 he was united in marriage to Elizabeth McKanna. Three children were born of this union: Robert, Katherine and James.
In 1907, Mr. Willis moved with his family to Goldendale, to become a partner, in charge of the grocery departments of Ledbetter and Wallace company. In 1926, upon the reorganization of the Ledbetter and Wallace company, he took over the implement department of that company, which he has since conducted as the R.J. Willis Implement company.
Mr. Willis took an active part in the affairs of Goldendale, having served several terms each on the school board and town councils, and as mayor of the city. In addition, for the past eight or nine years, he has acted as justice of the peace and police judge for Goldendale.
As a 32nd degree Mason, and a member of the Afifi Shrine, he always took an energetic part in Masonic affairs and activities, being a past master of the Gastineau Lodge of Douglas and Treadwell, Alaska.

The Klickitat County Agriculturist, Goldendale, WA. February 22, 1935, page 4

DEATH OF ROBERT J. WILLIS

Robert J. Willis was born in San Francisco on November 6, 1862, the son of John and Margaret Willis. He grew to manhood in that city, where, in 1885, he married May Lewis. To them three children were born: Howard who died in infancy, Hazel and Lillian.
In 1895, Mr. Willis moved to Treadwell, Alaska, where for 12 years he was manager of the store of the Treadwell Gold Mining company, then the largest producing gold mine in the world.
Mr. Willis' first wife died in 1898. In 1903 he was united in marriage to Elizabeth McKanna. Three children were born of this union: Robert, Katherine and James.
In 1907, Mr. Willis moved with his family to Goldendale, to become a partner, in charge of the grocery and implement departments of Ledbetter and Wallace company. In 1926, upon the reorganization of the Ledbetter and Wallace company, he took over the implement department of that company, which he has ever since conducted as the R.J. Willis Implement company.
Mr. Willis took an active part in the affairs of Goldendale, having served several terms each on the school board and town council, and as mayor of this city. In addition, for the past 8 or 9 years, he has acted as justice of peace and police judge for Goldendale.
A 32nd degree Mason, and a member of the Afifi Shrine, he always took an energetic part in Masonic affairs and activities, being a past master of the Gastineau Lodge of Douglas and Treadwell, Alaska.
The Goldendale Masonic lodge had charge of the funeral services, held at the Chapman Chapel on Monday afternoon, between 90 and 100 Masons being present. The full Masonic funeral rites were called out. The work was in charge of Past Master Bert Knox.
Mrs. Joel Abshier of Centerville sang "Over the Bar," and "Lead Kindly Light."
Interment took place at the Centerville Catholic cemetery, where he was laid beside his wife. The remains were accompanied to the cemetery by 30 Masons, but no ceremonies were held at the graveside.
George Hyat, formerly connected with the Ledbetter-Wallace Co., and who moved to Pendleton, Oregon about ten years ago was in the city Monday to attend the funeral of former Mayor R.J. Willis. He is still very friendly to Goldendale and says that he hopes someday to again make his home here.