Daniel Lee Willitts

Daniel L. Willitts was born on August 23, 1944 at the Visalia Municipal Hospital to Daniel C. Willitts and Juanita Willitts.

Dan grew up in the small community of Visalia that he would always love and return to throughout his life. As a boy he spent hours riding his bicycle, exploring along Mill Creek, and enjoying the freedom of this close knit hometown.

He was athletic and competitive in his youth, enjoying Little League, marble tournaments and fishing. He grew up in what he often looked back on as a simple and active childhood in the early 1950’s.

As he grew older football became his passion. In high school he was a talented athlete and active student leader. He excelled on the football field and earned an opportunity to play for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. Though he enjoyed the experience his love for home eventually brought him back to California where he continued his football career at College of Sequoias before completing his education at Cal Poly Pomona earning a degree in agronomy.

His education and ambition led him beyond California, where he began the next chapter of his life in Arizona where he met Linda Radke, who later became his wife. The couple then made their home in Visalia where he joined and eventually took over the family business, Willitts Pump Company, which he operated for many years.

He later married Ruth Putnam who became his lifelong companion and partner. They raised three children as they built a life centered on family and community.

Seeking once again the small town atmosphere he had cherished growing up he moved his family to the community of North Powder, Oregon. There he quickly became an active and valued member of the community. He served on the city council and gave generously of his time as a coach for the local high school football team. He was also an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was often called on by his community to prepare deep pit barbecues for large gatherings and town events, a skill he had mastered and became well known for.

Although he built a full and meaningful life in North Powder he never lost deep connection to his hometown Visalia. He returned often to visit lifelong friends, especially gathering for breakfasts with his high school teammates, sharing stories, laughter and the challenges of aging. He also maintained ties to the Willitts Equipment Company, occasionally visiting the business and its new owner, taking pride in seeing the company continue to grow and thrive.

Even while embracing his life in Oregon, old Visalia remained a constant thread throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his loving wife. He is survived by his sister, Anita Willitts; his children, Brittany Marrione, Stephen Willitts, and David Willitts; and his grandchildren, whom he loved and cherished.