In Loving Memory Of
Zachary M. Willis
August 2, 1984 - November 9, 2003
"Zach will be missed"
Before his unexpected death on
Sunday, many who knew Zachary M. Willis would say the 19-year-old Pittsburg
State University student in prepharmacy had a future filled with promise.
A glance at the 2003 issue of the Purple & White, Pittsburg High School's
yearbook, shows the many facets of the young adult's life. On page 13, he is
pictured with other members of the National Honor Society serving food to the
elderly on Thanksgiving Day. Page 63 shows him with the football team, wearing
No. 23. Pictured once again with a team - this time basketball - Willis appears
on page 73. Trading in his jerseys for a suit and tie, he is shown with fellow
members of the class of 2003 on page 124. Page 177 shows him with other student
government members. His senior salute, submitted by his mother, father, sister
and nephew, appears on page 137. The salute includes a childhood photograph and
the almost prophetic words, "Follow your heart - set your goals high. Take
advantage of wonderful opportunities, they may never come again. We are so proud
of you. Love, Mom, Dad, Kate and Reese."
One of Willis' classmates at PHS, Sara Adam, a sophomore in elementary education
at Pitt State, said the first thought that came to mind when she learned of
Willis' death was that he would never attend a class reunion.
"It's one thing when people choose not to go to reunions for whatever
reason - whether it's financial or family related - but to know that it wasn't
his choice anymore, I just know he'll be greatly missed," Adam said.
Adam recalled decorating for a homecoming dance last fall alongside Willis.
"We talked about his plans for the future and for college and that he was
going to stick around here," Adam said. "I asked him about playing
ball and he said his heart wasn't really in it anymore and that he wanted to
take a break from sports. He thought he was always identified by sports in high
school, but he was ready to get into college and see what else was out
there."
Merle Clark, PHS instructor and football coach, knew Willis better than he knew
many members of his team, because he was one of his son's best friends.
"For a long time, they were classmates and teammates. I remember him
staying at our house all night and swimming in our pool."
Willis' devotion to whatever game he was playing made him a standout athlete.
Clark remembers one football game in particular - last year's game pitting the
Pittsburg Purple Dragons against the Fort Scott Tigers.
"It went right down to the wire and we ended up losing, but I remember
looking at Zach on the sideline in the closing seconds and he was just spent.
His uniform was covered in mud and sweat, and I have this vivid memory of
looking into his eyes and knowing that he did what we ask our athletes to do.
All of his coaches knew that when you put Zach out on the field or the court, he
was going to give everything he had."
Robert Ratzlaff, vice president for academic affairs, had known Willis for
several years and also was his American Legion baseball coach for two summers.
"Even when we were on a six-hour trip to Hays to play in a state
tournament, there was never a dull moment," Ratzlaff said. "He was a
very articulate young man. He was pretty serious about what he was going to
become, and he understood that athletics were just games he played. The sky was
the limit for Zach."
Ratzlaff also said Willis' death will be a big loss for the community, and that
he anticipates being part of the healing process for former American Legion
baseball team members.
Student Health Services counselors at Pitt State are also available to speak
with students experiencing distress.
"A lot of time students don't know where to come," Christine Perez,
mental health counselor, said. "One counselor has already responded to a
request to speak to a class regarding this student's death, and counselors
remain available if needed. Even if a student does not feel they need to talk
with a counselor, he or she should be aware that it is good to talk with another
concerned person to keep the healing process flowing."
For appointments, students may call 235-4452 or stop by the Student Health
Services at 1801 S. Joplin from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
At PHS, the regular counseling staff along with teachers have been working to
help students cope. In addition, USD 250 has enlisted the help of the Southeast
Kansas Education Service Center at Greenbush's Crisis Response Team, according
to Gary Price, superintendent.
Services for Willis will be at 10 a.m. Friday at First United Methodist Church,
415 N. Pine.
Price said PHS will not dismiss for the services, but that staff members wishing
to attend the services may, and students who present authorization from their
guardians will be given excused absences.
Visitation will be from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at Bath-Naylor Funeral Home, 522
S. Broadway, where friends also may call after noon today. The family suggests
memorials to a prepharmacy scholarship fund in Willis' name. Bath-Naylor Funeral
Home, which is in charge of arrangements, will accept memorials.
"A lot of people are in shock, and we're just trying to pull
together," Adam said.
According to Adam, classmates of Willis are offering candid photos for a collage
to be set up at the Methodist Church. Adam also said an e-mail about friendship,
in memory of Willis, is circulating.
"One of the quotes in the e-mail was, 'If you live to be 100, then I want
to live to be 100 minus one because I don't ever want to live a day without
you'," Adam said. "Zach will be missed."
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Web Author: Johnny T. Williams
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Page Updated December 8, 2003