Obituary of HERBERT C WILLIS

C. Herbert Willis "Mr. Cat Ears" The Arizona Wildcats lost one of their biggest fans when Herb Willis passed away November 4, 2014. Born June 11, 1924 in Nashville, Tennessee, Herb graduated from Michigan State University where he met his future wife, Beth Loveland, and played the trombone in the marching band. He served in the Army during World War II at Moody Field, Georgia and then as a pilot in the Army Air Force at Mitchel Field in New York. Herb's travels took him to Michigan, California, Oregon and then Arizona at the start of the Fred Snowden years. He was a certified public accountant first with the large international firm of Haskins & Sells (now known as Deloitte) then with industry and smaller firms, and finally with his own firm. Even though he had tax deadlines throughout the year, he never let them get in the way of his love for Wildcat basketball and football. A long time Rotarian, he was past president and member emeritus of the Rincon Chapter. He believed in giving back to his profession and supporting the business community and the University of Arizona. Herb is survived by his three daughters, Megan (Dale) Carson, Elizabeth (David) Sorton and Alexandra (Matthew) Miller as well as two grandchildren, William (Jessica) Sorton and Charlotte (Matthew) Kerlavage and three great-grandchildren, Brayden and Mikeala Sorton and Lilly Kerlavage. He was preceded in death by his wife, Beth and his parents, Herbert Willis and Edith Bedker. He died wearing his favorite red U of A Wildcat polo shirt with his head on a Wildcat pillow. We want to thank the staff at the Villas at Houghton, Eldercare Research and Consulting and Harbor Light Hospice for their care and compassion. Herb did not want any kind of service. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his memory to the charity of your choice , or to the University of Arizona Foundation Gift Planning for the Wildcat Club at P.O. Box 210109, Tucson AZ 85721-0109. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.