Harold D. Willett

Harold Dean Willett passed away on March 16th, 2022 at the age of 76, in Indianola, Iowa.

Harold was born on October 11th 1945 to George Wayne and Arlene Willett in San Francisco, California. They moved to Iowa when he was very young.

He lived in Des Moines for most of his life, in his early teens he suffered the loss of his mother and went to live with his aunt and uncle (Lawrence and Charlene Seid), he would lovingly refer to Charlene as his “second mother”; she encouraged him after his graduation from Tech High School in 1963 to find a future. Her direction and caring led Harold to join the Army in 1965. He was a Vietnam Veteran, having served from 1965 thru 1967 and while in the Army he earned many medals of achievement.

After serving, he returned to Des Moines and married Dianna Harlan, while their marriage wouldn’t last forever as they’d hoped, Harold and Dianna remained friends to the very end. Together they raised their son Eric.

Eventually, Harold moved to Apache Junction Arizona, where he lived for over 20 years. While in Arizona he made many friendships; however, his relationship with Janice Lawson and Howard McDonald was that of family and he cared for them very deeply. He understood that they felt the same way, as their close relationship continued throughout the remainder of his life.

Harold had a passion for politics and if you dared engage, you had no doubt where he stood on political issues. He also had a soft spot for animals and loved his dogs Angel and Sandy. He enjoyed visiting with family and friends; however, he was very close with his brothers who have fond memories of him which include a mixture of teasing, stubbornness and his willingness to give the shirt off his back for others. No one could doubt that God had gifted Harold with a giving heart.

Most recently Harold attended Fellowship Baptist Church in Des Moines.

Harold was preceded in death by his son, Eric Willett; parents, Wayne and Arlene Willett; brothers, Robert Willett and James Willett; and his uncle and aunt, Lawrence & Charlene Seid.

Harold is survived by his grandchildren, Erica Miller and Damien; great-grandchildren, Rosey, Justice and Jesse; brothers, Donald (Patricia) Willett and Edwin (Diane) Willett; sister-in-law, Ella Willett; many nieces and nephews; and his close friends, Dianna Willett along with Howard McDonald and Janice Lawson.

There will be a celebration of life Saturday, April 9th 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Fellowship Baptist Church, 1503 SE 6th St., Des Moines, Iowa. Harold will be laid to rest at Avon Cemetery; 3995 Hart Ave., Des Moines, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Fellowship Baptist Church in memory of Harold.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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