William J. "Slick" Willmann died on 8 September 2021, at the age of 91.  He was born to Willie and Lena (Forst) Willmann in Paris, Arkansas, on 25 February 1930.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Benny, Tommy, and Raymond, his sisters, Curly and Angel, and his granddaughter, Regina.

He was married to his devoted wife, Mary Lou Friemel on 17 October 1950, and they spent nearly 71 years together in a beautiful and loving relationship. They raised three boys, David, Steve, and Dennis.

He was a coal miner, farmer, cattle rancher (a proud member of the Cattlemen's Association), treasurer of the Paris Federal Credit Union for 35 years, and a veteran of the Maritime Service and Merchant Marines.  As a member of the Saint Joseph's Catholic Church, he served as the President of the Parish Council, was a Lector, and he strongly supported the Saint Joseph's School, being one of 4 generations of Willmann's to attend the school.

Rosary service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, September 13th at Brotherton Funeral Home Chapel in Paris. The family will visit with friends starting at 6:00 p.m., an hour prior to the rosary service.

Funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 14th at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Paris, with Fr. Reginald Udouj, OSB officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Paris, under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home in Paris.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou; his three sons, David (and his wife Trish) of Carlisle PA, Steve (and his wife Linda) of Paris AR, and Dennis (and his wife Tammy) of Paris AR; six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Pallbearers are Gary Simmons, Bob Parks, Robert Friemel, Henry Frederick, Brian Frederick, and Everett Enkey.

"Public viewing will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home."

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made in honor of W.J. Willmann to the Saint Joseph's School.

Due to the rise in COVID cases in the area and request of the Willmann family, a mask will be required to "ALL" who enter the funeral home and at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding at this time.

To place an online tribute, please visit www.brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com.