Speed resident, Willie Lloyd Bushnell, aged 85, passed away on April 4, 2024, at Phillips County Hospital in Phillipsburg.

Born on July 1, 1938, in Jerome, Idaho, he was the son of Clarence and Blanche (Bradley) Bushnell.  After high school he joined the US Navy.  He served 4 years in active duty and an additional 4 years inactive.

On March 24, 1957, in Phillipsburg, he married Ann Margaret Carpenter, and they had three children: Barbara Ann, William Alan, and Robert Ryan.  This union lasted 29 years.

Willie worked as an electrician at the refinery in Phillipsburg, then ventured into wiring homes with Dean Klink and Glen Darra. Farming was his true passion, starting with his father-in-law J.E. Carpenter and later on his own.

In July 1990, he married Virginia Ann Pfannenstiel in Phillipsburg, gaining a daughter, Genny.

Transitioning to a truck driver, Willie and Virginia traveled across the states, enjoying casino visits along the way.

Known for his "Gift of Gab," Willie was a charismatic storyteller who never met a stranger.

Survivors include his wife Virginia of Speed; sons William Bushnell and wife Taffy of McPherson and Robert Bushnell and wife Mary of Phillipsburg; daughters Barbara Blakesley and husband Rod of Urbandale, IA and Genny Berkel and husband Shawn of Union, MO; 8 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; and 3 great great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Dan "Dee" Bushnell; sister Zelda Wallgren; a granddaughter Tish Budig; and a great grandson Cameron Burge.

Cremation was planned.  No services are scheduled at this time.

Memorial contributions may be made to Camp Hansen c/o Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, PO Box 563, Phillipsburg, KS  67661.