Willie D. Pasley

Willie (Bill) D. Pasley passed away in his home on Monday, June 29, 2020. Willie was born August 31, 1942 at home in Harlan Co., Kentucky. He moved to Michigan as a young adult and finished high school in Dowagiac. Preceding him in death were his parents, Millie and Jack Pasley; sisters, Maggie Mercereau, Waverline Pasley and stepbrother, Algin Pasley. With his first wife, Delores Stiffler Nee Pucheloff, he had four children. He worked at Sundstrand in Dowagiac and in the mid 1970’s, started his own excavation company specializing in driveways, septic systems, moving houses and installing basements on existing homes. On May 3, 2003, Willie married Dortha Benson. He loved roller skating, riding his Harley, collecting guns, and working on his equipment. He doted on his grandchildren and would load them into the wagon and drive the tractor to the Hayloft for ice cream. Willie leaves behind his wife, Dortha; four children, Mark Pasley of Decatur, Glenn (Melissa) Pasley and Jennifer Pasley both of North Bend, WA, and Julie (Dan) Gerner of Dowagiac. He also leaves a stepson, Dan (Janice) Benson of Decatur; a sister, Lillian (Woodrow) Clouse of Irons, MI and a brother, Roy Jim (Mary) Pasley of Dowagiac; a special caregiver, John Benson of Decatur, as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Newell Funeral Home, 83313 M-51 Decatur, MI 49045 on Friday, July 3, 2020 at 11AM with Pastor Steve DeGroft of Decatur Bible Church officiating. Family will receive friends and family Thursday, July 2, from 5PM to 7PM at the funeral home. Interment will follow the service at Lakeside Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be mailed to Elara Caring, 900 Cooper Street, Jackson, MI 49202, in honor of Willie D. Pasley. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.