Willard Hague
Willard W. Hague, 84, Marion, died Sept. 3, 2002. He was born Jan. 12, 1918, on a farm near Walton and was the oldest son of 10 children born to Loren L. and Iva Mabel Hague.
He graduated from Walton School in 1936. Willard enjoyed playing basketball both during high school and on a local town team when he returned from the Army, but one of his favorite loves was playing baseball with his dad, uncle, and brother.
Following graduation Willard raised sheep with his father. He was in the process of establishing his own herd when he proudly joined the Army in 1942.
He served in the South Pacific for four years as a Combat Engineer in the 41st Infantry Division and was awarded the Legion of Merit medal.
Upon returning from service Willard joined the family harvest crew, following the harvest run from the Southern Plains to the Dakotas. He enjoyed farming and harvesting with his father and his four brothers.
On June 16, 1946, Willard married Earlene Nicklaus. They established their home in Peabody. Two sons were born, Donald and Dennis. In 1950 the family moved to Cedar Point where Willard fed yearling cattle and returned again to the sheep business. Daughter Roxanne and son Douglas were born while living in Cedar Point.
In 1956 the couple moved west of Florence. They lived on the Hague place until 1958 and Willard continued to raise livestock. In 1958 they purchased the home place north of Florence on U.S.-77, which soon became known by many as Hague Hill.
Don, Dennis, Doug, and Roxanne grew up attending Florence and Marion schools.
Over the years Willard raised livestock, worked as a state sheep inspector, ran the Florence elevator, and worked in the sheep pens at Wichita and Herington livestock yards. He bought and sold sheep until he retired, selling his herd in 1990.
Willard was a member of Marion's Valley United Methodist Church and VFW post. He also was a member of the Florence American Legion for many years.
Willard and Earlene established a small craft business, "Willy's Woolies" in 1983. Willard was a silent partner, but so proud when people made over his and Earlene's work. Willard contributed by cutting, turning, and stuffing the variety of animals they produced from shearling wool pelts. The crafts were shown throughout the state as well as an annual fall show in the "big family room" in their home. Eventually Willard's health would not allow them to participate in the crafting business. Willard always enjoyed his trips to the coffee shop and visiting morning and afternoon with friends.
He was proud of his children and grandchildren and all their accomplishments. His big thrill was to be able to attend their activities.
In June 2001, Willard and Earlene decided they could no longer care for the farm. The farm was sold and a home purchased in Marion.
Willard shared his life with his wife Earlene; sons Donald and wife Beverly, Gering, Neb., Dennis and Susan, Newton, Douglas and Kimberly, Benton; daughter Roxanne and husband Conlee Mann, Livonia, Mich.; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; three sisters Evelyn Klein, Cleona Brezel, and Loretta Lackey all of Peabody; and many friends and relatives.
Willard was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Eugene, Lyle, Gilbert, and Bobby; and two sisters, Isla Jane Prather and Jewell Mellott.
Services were held Friday morning at Valley United Methodist Church with the Rev. Kennedy Mukwindidza officiating. Burial was in prairie Lawn Cemetery, Peabody, with military honors by members of the Florence American Legion Post. Taps and the echo were sounded by Matt and Molly Hague.
Memorials have been established at the church and with St. Luke Hospital.
