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Willey, Roger H.
Roger H. Willey, 84, of Independence, died Friday evening, Aug. 3, 2012, at the Buchanan County Health Center in Independence.
Roger was born on Sept. 14, 1927, in Independence, the son of Horace B. and Hazel (Scott) Willey. Roger graduated from the Independence High School in 1945 and entered the U.S. Navy serving until his discharge in September 1945. Following his discharge, he attended the University of Iowa for two years. On June 6, 1948, he was married to Joan Hanken in Oelwein. Roger and his mother owned and operated the Willey's Bookstore from the early 1940s until the fall of 1956. Roger was elected Buchanan County Recorder for two terms leaving to take a position as manager of the Buchanan County Abstract Office for 49 years, before his retirement in 2005
Roger was best known as the “Voice of the Mustangs” announcing both the Independence Mustangs Football and Basketball games for 54 years, earning himself a spot in the Iowa High School Athletic Union's Hall of Fame. He was also an active member of the First Presbyterian Church singing in the church choir for over 60 years. He was a member of the Independence Federal Bank for Savings board of directors since 1967 and was past president of the Iowa State Association of Abstractors. He was also active in the Independence Chamber of Commerce, American Legion, Draft Board and the Zoning Commission.
He is survived by his wife, Joan Willey, Independence; two daughters, Jane (Lon) Arfsten, Franklin, Wis., and Lynn (Bill) Isham, Independence; three grandchildren, Jonathan and Daniel Arfsten, and Alexandra Isham; and two great-grandchildren, Sofia and Dylan Arfsten.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, John and Charles Willey.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at the First Presbyterian Church, Independence, with the Rev. John Hougen officiating. Burial will be in the Wilson Cemetery, Independence. Friends may call from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the Reiff Funeral Home & Crematory, Independence, where a Military Memorial Service will be held at 4 p.m.
For more information or to leave an online condolence, please go to under obituaries.
Published in The Gazette Aug. 5, 2012.
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