Wilburn Willis

Wilburn Lee Willis, age 87, of Waco, passed away Saturday morning, February 7, 2026 at the Atrium of Bellmead.

Funeral Service will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 13, 2026 at West Brethren Church, with Bro. Terry Crawford officiating. Military Graveside Rites will follow at West Brethren Cemetery near West, conducted by West Veterans Honor Guard. The family will receive visitors from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel.

Wilburn was born on February 1, 1939, in Waco, Texas, the son of the late Callie (Carter) and Cecil Willis. He was a 1957 graduate of La Vega High School and later earned a degree in law enforcement from McLennan Community College. On December 30, 1981, he was united in marriage to JayDean Barton (Volcik) in Oklahoma. Wilburn proudly served his country in the United States Coast Guard and dedicated his professional life to public service as an officer with the Waco Police Department. He was a member of West Brethren Church and was actively involved in his community, serving as both President and Vice President of SPJST Lodge #54 in West, as well as a member of American Legion Post #478. Wilburn was especially proud to be an honorary member of the Waco Police Officers Association, having served as Chaplain. He was widely respected for his bravery, having saved the lives of four fellow officers during a shootout in October of 1968, an event he later documented in a book that will be published. Wilburn also helped at his family's plumbing business, Willis Plumbing, with his brother Kenny for a number of years. In his free time, Wilburn enjoyed having breakfast with friends at the Hewitt Cracker Barrel, driving people to the airport, and listening to their life stories. He was known for his kindness, generosity, and genuine interest in others, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 44 years, Jaydean Willis, of Waco; children, Steven Willis and spouse Kelly Knape, of Portugal, and Melissa Rowen and husband John, of Hutto; step-sons, Terry Barton and wife Jill, and Darryl Barton; grandchildren, Kris Barton and wife Gabriella, Kathleen Barton, and Faith Rowen; a great-grandson, Gabriel Barton; a brother, Kenny Willis and wife Martha; a sister, Glenora McDaniel and husband Ronnie, of Lake Jackson; brother-in-law, Larry Volcik and wife Dody; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Active pallbearers are Brent Stroman, Larry Scott, Scott Holt, Cecil Willis, Bubba Willis, and Ryan Volcik. Honorary pallbearer is Sheriff Parnell McNamara.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to West Brethren Church or the HOT Public Safety Historical Center.