Willard Ozell Keith, 85, of Prairie City (formerly of Burns) died on Aug. 12 at the Blue Mt. Nursing Home.

Willard was born on Oct. 17, 1924, in Talihina, Okla., to Benjamin and Ester (Washburn) Keith.

In March 1943, he joined the Marines. In the military during World War II, he was part of the 3rd Marine Division that invaded the island of Bougainville in the South Pacific in early November of 1943. Their mission was to take a small piece of the island from the Japanese to make way for a major airfield to be built from which American planes could assure security from the air for convoys and task forces that would invade the Philippines in October 1944. He was honorably discharged on Nov. 10, 1944.

Keith married Earlene Durant-Hale on Sept. 4, 1954, at the Assembly of God Church in Burns. Together they had five children. They divorced in February 1968.

He married Wyona Jordan on May 9, 1968, at the First Baptist Church in John Day. Together they had two children, and he became the step-father to three other children.

Keith was employed at Edward Hines Lumber Co. from 1965 until his retirement in 1988. He ran the sander and later was a planerman. In addition to working full time at the mill, he worked as a drywall installer and was considered the best drywaller in all of Oregon — his work was in great demand. He continued drywalling after his retirement until he was in his mid 70s.

He enjoyed wood working, building book cases, beds, and carving vintage World War II airplanes. Keith also loved to sit in the shade of a tree in the yard, as well as drive in the country and see the wildlife. He enjoyed watching old westerns and movies and documentaries about World War II.

While living in Burns he was a member of the Assembly of God Church and the Burns Four Square Church.

After he moved to Grant County, he attended the Rising Son Ministries and John Day Bible Way Church.

Keith is survived by his wife, Wyona Keith of Burns; daughters, Sherry Zacharias and husband Terry of Prairie City, Lonnie Specht of Prairie City and Lisa Alsup and husband Tommy of Prairie City; sons, Leland Keith and wife Jodi of Prairie City, Brad Keith of Tillamook and Mitch Keith of Canyon City; step-sons, Jim Jordan of Boise, Idaho, Keith Jordan and wife Donita of Burns and Brian Jordan and wife Kay of Prineville; 22 grandchildren; and 30 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Eldon Keith, Jay Keith, Bud Keith and Gene Keith; daughter, Janice Keith; grandson, Logan Keith; and granddaughter, Danelle Pine.

A graveside service was held at the Burns Cemetery on Aug. 17. Driskill Memorial Chapel was in charge of arrangements.