Willie “Papa Bill” Ray Blan

Memorial service for Willie “Papa Bill” Ray Blan will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 11, 2018 at New Life Baptist Church, Claremore.
Willie “Papa Bill” Ray Blan passed away at his home in Claremore Thursday, June 7th, 2018. he was 86. Born October 11th, 1931 in Stigler, Oklahoma to parents William D. Blan and Martha J. Decker. After graduating from Keota high school, with honors, Willie joined the U.S. Navy in 1952. During this time he met and later married LaVonna J. Suggs. They were married on June 4, 1955. After being discharged from the Navy, Papa Bill and Lavonna moved to Claremore and Papa Bill went to work as a Mechanic at American Airlines where he worked for 35 years before retiring. Papa Bill and Lavonna were members of the New Life Baptist Church in Verdigris where Willie was a church Deacon. Papa Bill was a die hard fisherman and hunter and enjoyed many days pursuing his favorites hobbies. Papa Bill is survived by his wife LaVonna of the home; his son Timothy L. Blan and his wife Cheryl of Verdigris, Oklahoma; sister Lois E. Kinsey of Stigler, Oklahoma; grandchildren Amber Collier and her husband J.K. of Pryor, Oklahoma, and Autumn Jarman and her husband Jason of Claremore, Oklahoma; 4 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Papa Bill was preceded in death by his parents; sister LaVerne Hamm; brothers Buster Blan, and LeRoy Blan.

Visit and sign Willie's online tribute at www.mmsfuneralhomes.com