Robert Louis Willis

Robert Louis Willis, beloved husband, veteran, friend, father and grandfather, was born on March 8, 1943, in Jacksonville, Florida. On September 20, 2025, he left this world peacefully, surrounded by love and family.

Robert lived a life filled with courage, devotion, and joy. At 17, he answered the call of duty, enlisting in the United States Air Force and serving his country honorably during the Vietnam War from 1960 to 1963. Those years of service shaped his strength, discipline, and loyalty.

When he returned home, life led him to San Diego, where he met his beautiful wife, Gloria Jean Fike. Together they built a marriage rooted in love and faith, and in 1986 they made their home in Bellevue, Idaho.

Robert’s talents and passions were as varied as they were inspiring. He was the proud owner and chef at Buck’s Burger Shack, a long-haul truck driver, a skilled finish carpenter and handyman whose work can still be seen throughout the Wood River Valley. Beyond his work, Robert’s heart shone brightest in the arts. He was a gifted ballroom dance teacher, guiding countless couples across the floor with grace, rhythm, and joy. His love for music was just as strong—he never missed a chance to sing, whether it was to worship, or simply to bring a smile to those around him.

Above all, Robert loved Jesus deeply. He served faithfully at Bellevue Community Church for many years, where his warm smile, generous spirit, and unwavering faith left a lasting mark on everyone he met.

Robert will be remembered for his courage as a soldier, his skill as a craftsman, his artistry in dance and song, and his devotion as a husband, friend, father, grandfather and man of God. His legacy lives on in the love he shared, the faith he modeled, and the joy he brought into so many lives.

Though our hearts ache with his passing, we rejoice in knowing he is home with the Lord, dancing and singing in eternal peace.

He is survived by his children Amber (Jose) Avila, Audra Hairston, Teresa (Gene) McClellan, Kevin (Lynette) Trafford. Grandchildren Nicholas (Jackie) McClellan, Christopher (Nuevia) McClellan, Tyler Avila, Janessa Avila, Tiawnie Hairston, Keith Jr. Hairston, and Gabriel Avila. Great grandchildren Ashton McClellan and Pierce McClellan. Many nieces and nephews but the most precious to him were Douglas Willis, John Willis, Debbie Montgomery and Paula Kay Zelinsky.