CHANUTE -- C. Melvin "Mivi" Willis, 95, of Chanute died at 3:12 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, 2009, at Heritage Health Care Center in Chanute.

He was born May 16, 1913, at Galesburg to Chester C. and Hazel (Redman) Willis. During his childhood, the family moved to Chanute, and he graduated from Chanute High School. He graduated from Fort Scott Junior College and then attended Emporia State Teachers College.

On Sept. 4, 1937, he married Arliene L. Lorenc in Parsons. For many years, they lived in Luray, where he farmed and was employed as a surveyor for Russell County.

In 2003, they returned to Chanute and had lived in the nursing home the past three years.

Mr. Willis was a member of Luray United Methodist Church. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, hunting and golfing.

Survivors include his wife of 71 years, Arliene Willis of Heritage Health Care Center; a sister, Jean Budd of Ridgefield, Conn.; numerous nieces and nephews; numerous great-nieces and great-nephews; and numerous great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Owen Willis; and two sisters, Margaret Fern Martin and Louise Ricks.

The visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Parsons. There will be a graveside service at 3:30 p.m. Sunday at Mount Hope Cemetery at Galesburg.

Memorials are suggested to Kansas State University Wildcats Athletic Department and may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, P.O. Box 942, Parsons, 67357.