Willis C. Hallman

Willis C. Hallman PHD

Rev. Dr. Willis Christian Hallman was born January 2, 1927 in Vineland Station, Ontario, Canada to Anna and Aaron Hallman. He moved to “his Father’s House” on January 18, 2022, after a final bout with congestive heart failure. Willis spent his first years on his parent’s fruit farm, pruning trees and preparing the various fruits for sale. At the age of 21 he entered Eastern Mennonite University where he earned a BS in Biology. In 1950 he married Katherine Anne Hertzler from Elverson, Pennsylvania, and during his Senior year, Susan Carol was born. At this point, his home congregation asked Willis to serve as pastor in the future, so he was ordained and the family moved to Goshen, Indiana, for seminary. During this time, Anthony Chris was born. Following seminary, Willis accepted a call to serve as pastor in Scottdale, PA. It was during these years that Abigail Anne was born. Because of his interest in counseling, he felt the need to study Psychology. He and Kit drove out to Kansas University in Lawrence, Kansas, “not knowing whither they went”. Within two days, plans were completed for Willis to study Psychology and serve as pastor for two Evangelical United Brethren churches in the area. A parsonage was supplied and the family spent six good years among the generous farmers of Stull and Richland, Kansas. Anna Marie was born there, then it was time to move on. A KU professor suggested Willis apply to work with challenged children at Marillac School, in Kansas City, which he did, and served there, 14 years. During this time, Vicki Lynn Melching joined the family in her teen years, continuing to adulthood and beyond. Next came his move to private practice which he carried on informally into his final years. He moved to “his Father’s House” from the apartment at Kingswood Senior Center where he and Kit had lived happily for two and one half years. It was a sudden passing, but 37 years after his first cardiac arrest! Thank you, Lord for those extra years.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Mennonite Central Committee, [email protected] or The Summit Church, http://www.thesummit.church/

Visitation will be 10AM with music by members of the Hallman family, services to follow at 11AM, Tuesday, January 25 at The Summit Church, 3381 NW Chipman Rd., Lee's Summit, Missouri; family burial in Green Lawn Cemetery.  Masks are requested.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Mennonite Central Committee, [email protected] or The Summit Church, http://www.thesummit.church/

Visitation will be 10AM with music by members of the Hallman family, services to follow at 11AM, Tuesday, January 25 at The Summit Church, 3381 NW Chipman Rd., Lee’s Summit, Missouri; family burial in Green Lawn Cemetery.  Masks are requested.