Willis Capen

Willis R. “Bill” Capen age 81, of North Star, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at Woodland Hospice House.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, MI on Saturday, March 9, 2019 at 12:30 P.M. A luncheon will immediately follow at the Ithaca Senior Activity Building.  The family will receive friends and family on the day of the service beginning at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the family.

Bill was born on August 31, 1937, in Wheeler, son of Alec and Marjorie Capen.

Bill was a lover of life and of people. The world had no strangers, only friends he had yet to meet. He left a piece of himself everywhere he went, bringing joy, laughter, and always a joke or two. He lived his days to the fullest and was always on the go. He enjoyed playing cards at the Ithaca Senior Center, traveling to casinos with his sisters, wood working, golfing, fishing, and stopping in to visit family and friends while out on the drives he loved to take.

Bill served in the United States Air Force from 1957-1960.

Bill is survived by his wife of 57 years, Rose. Five children: Willis R. Capen Jr. (Bob) of Grovertown, IN; Douglas (Sue) Capen of North Star; Scott (Laura) Capen of Alma; Paul (Sandy) Capen of St. Louis; and Kelly McPherson (Darren Thompson) of Alma;  two brothers, five sisters and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bill dearly loved and was extremely proud of all 15 of his grandchildren and 6 (soon to be 7) great grandchildren.

Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.  The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, MI.