Willard Lilly

His first marriage was to Evangeline Mae Carver. They were the parents of one son, Roy Chester. On December 25, 1919 he was married to Myrtle Elizabeth McGuire. They were the parents of two sons, James Robert and Gilbert Blaine.

Willard passed away on March 16, 1989. Below is an article written about him by his brother Jesse in the book, "Now and Then with Kropffs and Crums."

The rugged mountains of Northern New Mexico in the early 1900s provided a challenge to a big rugged and fearless youth. From morning to evening, Willard in the company of his younger brothers, to whom he acted as a guide and counselor, roamed the hills. At that time there was considerable mining in the area and Willard and the younger brothers visited the mines. Always a good lunch and a warning about the grizzlies the boys would be started towards home. There truly were bears in the mountains at that time. The boys were fortunate they never met any. Willard, always much larger and stronger than the other boys, was naturally leader and captain of all our expeditions. Many a night could his robust voice be heard all over the village directing his crew or band in "Run Sheep Run."

As the years passed the family moved into Colorado where Willard grew up to young manhood, going to school and working at whatever was to be had in a farming community. Reaching maturity he married and raised a family of three boys, Roy Chester of Medford, Oregon, Robert of Colorado Springs, and Blaine of Iowa.

Reference

Wells, Ruth Crum (1974). Now and Then with Kropffs and Crums Boyd Done Skyline Printing Tucson, Arizona.

• Picture of son Roy and nephew Oren

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