Willis Everett Brandyberry, age 90, of Hill City, KS passed away Wednesday January 18, 2023. Willis was born at the family home southeast of Hill City December 2, 1932, to Mary Elizabeth (Law) and Harvey Roscoe Brandyberry.
Willis grew up on the farm with his little sister Barbara and attended a country school until 8th grade when he started high school in Hill City. Willis graduated from Hill City High School in 1951 and received his bachelor’s degree in Animal Husbandry from Kansas State College of Agriculture and Applied Science in 1955.
Upon graduation, Willis returned to the family farm and began farming and raising cattle. He worked part-time at the Graham County ASCS office for a few years as well. Willis married Elsie Hildebrand July 25, 1964, and to this union were born three children: Steven, Stanley, and Staci. Willis served on numerous boards throughout his life including the local Coop Board, Graham County Community Foundation, Federal Land Bank, and the Graham County Historical Society. He was a member of the local Lions Club. Willis was a 32nd degree member of the local Masonic Lodge and served as a Master of the local lodge.
He was an active volunteer with the Happy Crickets 4-H Club and could always be seen wearing his best cowboy hat at the fair. He enjoyed his six grandchildren and attended many of their school events. Willis was a strong believer in education and was an avid reader his whole life. In his retirement years he enjoyed following the local oil drilling scene.
Willis was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Elsie; and sister, Barbara Fillmore. Survivors are: son Steven and wife Barbara of Hill City and Steve’s son Heath and wife Shannon of Wichita, son Stanley and wife Mary of Hill City, and their children Everett of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Asa of Brooklyn, New York, and Georgia of Hill City; and daughter Staci and husband Don Hendrickson , of Kansas City, Missouri and their children Isaac of Kelowa, British Columbia, Canada and Conor of Coffs Harbor, New South Wales, Australia.
Services will be held at Stinemetz Funeral Home on Saturday, February 4, at 1:30 pm. Memorials may be made to the Elsie Brandyberry Scholarship at FHSU Foundation.