WILLIS DALE MUIR

Aug. 8, 1921 - June 19, 2009

Willis Dale Muir, of Green Valley, passed away on June 19, 2009, at age 87.

He retired in 1979 from the U.S. Air Force after the 37 years at the rank of Colonel.

Beginning in 1981, Will and his wife Shirley spent winters in Green Valley and summers at Little MacDonald Lake near Perham, Minn. until her death in 1998. They were married for 48 years.

Willis and his twin Wallace were born on Aug. 8, 1921, in LaMoure, N.D. to Gale and Bessie Kloubec Muir. He had eight brothers and sisters. He was active in basketball, track and football at LaMoure High School, where he graduated in 1940. Growing up he worked with his father and brothers in the building business where he learned carpentry skills he would use throughout his life.

Willis was a decorated WWII veteran. He joined the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942. After his overseas training, he and his unit were sent to Venosa, Italy. As a member of the 485th Bomber Squadron, he was a belly ball turret gunner on a B-24 flight crew. He completed 50 consecutive missions.

After the war, he moved to Fargo, N.D. and became one of the initial members of the 119th Wing, N.D. Air National Guard in 1946. During the Korean War, he was stationed in Tokyo, Japan for one year, returning to Fargo until 1965.

The last 14 years of his career he spent in and around the Pentagon retiring as Assistant Deputy Director of the Air National Guard. He testified in many Congressional Armed Services Appropriations Committee meetings in his role of Air Guard Comptroller and Assistant Deputy Director to insure that the Air Guard was funded to meet their valuable mission.

He married Shirley Jane Hollar in 1950. They had five children and shared many happy years as friends and partners. He taught his children to be self-sufficient and hard workers who learned how to question and respect authority at the same time.

In Fargo, Will was active in the Elks Club, the St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Council, the Campfire Girls Council and the Cosmopolitan Club serving as president. He initiated the founding of the North Dakota Air National Guard Credit Union, now called the Freedom Community Credit Union, in 1954.

Until his death, he continued to stay in touch with his many Air Guard friends, also known as the Happy Hooligans.

Will was an avid supporter and benefactor of Green Valley American Legion Post #66. He served as an officer and building committee member. He was a resourceful leader, always looking for ways to improve the status quo. Will was known by all for his quick wit and remarkable memory. He was an American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars member for over 64 years and Elks Club member for 48 years.

Will was preceded in death by Shirley; his sons Jerry and John Muir; and his daughter Nancy Muir.

He is survived by his sister Betty Michelson of Kenosha, Wis.; daughters Jayne Muir of Seattle, Wash. and Ellen Muir of San Leandro, Calif. and her husband Cris Whyte; granddaughters Rachel and Abby Whyte; and grandsons Andy and Jeffrey Montgomery of Seattle; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Celebration Service is scheduled for Aug. 29, 2009, at 11 a.m. at the GV American Legion Post 66, 1560 W. Duval Mine Rd., Sahuarita, Ariz.

An announcement will be published in the GV News closer to the memorial date. Information will also be available through Post 66 at (520)399-3604.

Both Willis and his wife Shirley’s ashes will be buried together at the Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.