Willard Crust

Arch Willard Crust passed away peacefully at his home Tuesday August 8^th 2023.

Willard was born January 31^st 1932 to L.A. and Maggie (Sexson) Crust in Aaron,MO, Bates County. As his father worked for the railroad, they moved frequently finally settling on a farm East of Archie in 1945. 

Willard graduated from Archie High School in 1949. He worked with his father farming and as a stockman, and then later as a carpenter/builder. He built many family homes in the Archie area and also commercial buildings including the Archie State Bank & Archie City Hall. He served on the Archie City Council and was Archie’s first building inspector. He also was a member and set on the Zoning Board of Adjustments for the city as well. He donated his time to try and make Archie a better place by helping repair streets to helping his wife, Ellen, with the Archie Funfest & Tractor Pull. 

He was united in marriage to Margaret Ellen Gross on May 3rd 1953. To this union two sons were born, Jerry & Jim.

Willard worked with his sons in farming, cattle business and construction business until he finally told his youngest son, “Jim, I’m gonna have to quit ya one day!” ( that was ok because he was in his 80’s)

He spent the rest of his years taking care of his wife of 69 years until her passing in 2022. 

He was preceded in death by his parents L. A. & Maggie Crust, and his wife Ellen.

He is survived by his sons Jerry Crust /Lisa  of Columbia, MO.  Jim Crust/Amy of Archie, Mo. Two Grandchildren  Jessica Roberts/Charles and their children Aydan, Greyson, Benjamin, and Emma of St.Louis Mo. Jacob Crust/Ally and their children Nolan, Franklin, and George of St.Louis, Mo. Two step grandchildren David Hill of New York and Veronica Foley/Kevin of Columbia, Mo. And a host of family and friends. 

Funeral Service will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 12, 2023 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri with internment at Dayton Cemetery, Garden

Family will receive friend's Saturday, August 12, 2023 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m at the funeral home.