Flake Willis

    Flake Willis, 93, died on Monday, March 3, 2008, after a brief illness incident to age. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 8, at the Snowflake Main Street Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Visitations will be held from 6 to 8 o’clock tonight (March 7) at Owens Mortuary, located at 84 E. 19th South in Snowflake, and from 9 to 9:45 a.m. on Saturday at the church. Interment will follow in the Snowflake Cemetery.
   He was born Marshall Flake Willis on April 13, 1914, in Snowflake to parents Tillman and Ida Flake Willis, and was the second of 12 children.
   Flake spent a lifetime career in the railroad business as president and general manager of the Apache Railway in Arizona and the McCloud River Railroad in Northern California. He was instrumental in over-seeing extensive growth and improvement of both railroads while under his leadership. After retiring, he began railroad consulting for Kyle Railways, traveling extensively to secure mergers and evaluate projects for purchase.
   Flake married Bernice June Pearson in the Mesa LDS Temple on Sept. 29, 1939. They were blessed with four children.
   Flake and Bernice returned to Snowflake in the late 1970s and restored the family pioneer home built by his grandfather, Charles Flake, where they enjoyed their remaining years surrounded by family and friends. They traveled throughout the world during this time.
   Flake was a member of the LDS church and faithfully served in many capacities, including many years as branch president, bishop, high councilman, teacher and temple worker in the Snowflake Temple.
   Survivors include his children, Judy Draper (J), Linda Brazzeal (Joe), Marshall (Letizia) and Carolyn Cooper; 18 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and eight brothers and sisters.
   Owens Mortuary of Snowflake is in charge of the arrangements.