Published: May 13, 2008 12:50 am            

Willis Jasper Pullins

Mr. Willis Jasper Pullins, 84, of Alamogordo, N.M., formerly of Medaryville, Ind., passed away Thursday, April 3, 2008, at his residence in Alamogordo.

Mr. Pullins was born Aug. 28, 1923, in Medaryville, to Harold F. and Della Fay Houston Pullins.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Bettilou Wagner of Alamogordo; son, Willis T. Pullins and wife, Sandy, of Frankfort; daughter, Della Gale DeRollo and husband, Anthony, of Alamogordo; five grandchildren, Steve and wife Kristie, Willis J. Bohac, Robbyne Mauldin and husband Jesus, Jeff and wife Stacy, and Brett and wife Lane; three great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Faith and Victor Charles Pullins; sister, Betty Faye Schultz of Reynolds Station, Ky.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mr. Pullins was preceded in death by brothers, Lloyd and Harold Jr.; and sisters, Elnora, Maxine and Wanda.

He was in the Army in WWII, assigned to the 21st Evacuation Hospital in the Asiatic-Pacific theater, serving in Guadalcanal, Bougainville and the Philippine Islands. He received the following citations: Theater Ribbon with two bronze stars, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one bronze star, Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal Unit Citation.

After leaving the Army, Mr. Pullins worked at the Pullman Standard Manufacturing Co. of Michigan City. He was owner/operator of a Standard Oil service station and a small trucking company in his hometown of Medaryville. He also worked for the Dallas and Mavis Forwarding Company of South Bend.

In 1950, Mr. Pullins was appointed to the U.S. Postal Service in Medaryville. Throughout his long career, he served as classified clerk, Clerk-in-Charge of the Post Office, Officer-in-Charge and then appointed Postmaster. He retired as a United States Postmaster in Medaryville.

After moving to New Mexico, Mr. Pullins worked for several years at Holloman Air Force Base with the Contractor Operated Civil Engineer Supply System (COCESS) for the 49th Civil Engineer Squadron.

Mr. Pullins kept busy with many community activities. He spent 14 years as a Boy Scout leader and an Explorer advisor, and spent two years as District Chairman of the Northern District of the Three Rivers Council out of Logansport. He was a member and president of the Band Boosters of Medaryville. He served as president and vice president of the P.T.A., assisted with the White Post Boys 4-H club, was a member of the board of directors of the Future Farmers of America, was treasurer of the Pulaski County 4-H fair board for four years and was an active member of Lions International and the American Legion Post 228. He also served his local United Methodist Church as the Superintendent of Sunday School Services.

Mr. Pullins is listed in the 1957 edition of Who’s Who in Indiana.

Visitation is noon to 1 p.m. Saturday at Medaryville United Methodist Church, Medaryville. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday in the church, with Pastor Susan Jennys officiating. Interment will take place in Independence Cemetery in Medaryville. The American Legion will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Pullins’ name to the Boy Scouts of America, Sagamore Council, 518, N. Main St., P.O. Box 865, Kokomo, IN 46903; or to the West Central Educational Foundation Phil Pixey Scholarship Fund, 1852 S. US 42, Francesville, IN 47946.

Messages of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.frainmortuary.com.

Arrangements were made by the Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel, Medaryville.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.