Jules J. Willott, 82, of Mexico, passed away Friday, December 8, 2023 at Boone Hospital in Columbia.
Visitation services will be held Fri., Dec. 15 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Arnold Funeral Home at 425 South Jefferson Street in Mexico. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Brendan Catholic Church on Sat., Dec. 16 at 11 a.m. The church is located at 615 S. Washington in Mexico. A private burial is planned.
Jules was born September 27, 1941, in St. Louis, the son of Joseph “Buck” and Helen Willott, nee Such. On November 30, 1968, he married Alice Dickherber in Cottleville, at St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Survivors include his wife, Alice, and three children: Steven (Shelley) Willott of St. Peters, Brian Willott of Mexico, and Amy (Chris) Kreiling of Wentzville. He also leaves two granddaughters, Zoe Willott and Abigail “Maggie” Kreiling, as well as many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and extended cousins.
“Once a farmer, always a farmer.” Jules, at age seven, was told the dealer in town would have a new tractor for them. Jules drove the tractor home. It was a brand new 1948 Farmall C which had just arrived in St. Peters by train. After moving to Audrain county, Jules still farmed, driving the combine and planting wheat two weeks before his passing.
Jules was President of his FFA Chapter and won the Agriculture Leader Award from the Missouri Agricultural Extension Professionals in 2014, with numerous other leadership experiences in years in between. He was a pioneer in the use of cover crops in the region, hosting numerous demonstration days at the farm.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Brendan Parish in Mexico, Mo., to St. Brendan School in Mexico, Mo., or to The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation at 383 Main Avenue, 5th Floor Norwalk, Conn. 06851.
Online condolences may be left at www.arnoldfh.com
