Willerson M. Yeary

Willerson Millard Yeary, 96, of Lampasas passed away on Monday, September 14, 2020, in College Station, Texas. Graveside Service: 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 19, 2020, at Naruna Cemetery. Visitation: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday evening at Sneed Funeral Chapel. Willerson was born on June 2, 1924, in the small town of Lampasas, TX. He grew up the youngest of 6 during one of the toughest times in American history. As a child of the depression, he was raised to be independent and strong-willed. This grit and determination would prove to be vital as Willerson would witness several major world events during his lifetime. Willerson met the love of his life in grade school and would go on to marry Lorena on December 21, 1943. This young couple would remain married for almost 75 years until Lorena passed away in 2018. Shortly after their wedding, Willerson was shipped to Germany to fight in WWII. After basic training, he was chosen for military police school As an MP he served directly under General Clark acting as his aid and courier. Once the war was over, Willerson made his way back home to his sweetheart and returned to life in Lampasas. He worked as a highway patrolman for 14 years protecting families across the state. During this time he also served as added security for then-Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson. After the Kennedy assassination, Willerson was selected to be a special agent of the US Secret Service during the Lyndon B. Johnson administration. After Johnson's death, he continued in service to Lady Bird Johnson until he retired in 1985. Willerson was passionate about his family. Even in the midst of war and demanding careers he still found time to be a loving father and husband, often sacrificing sleep to be at his children's school events. He loved his ranch in Naruna and the cows he raised for many years. He was a loving grandfather and delighted in being a "Papa" to his grandchildren. He was a master at 42 and enjoyed passing the time with classic bluegrass and gospel music. He was faithful to the church and regularly attended First Baptist Church throughout his lifetime. Willerson was preceded in death by his wife, Lorena Yeary, and son Michael. He is survived by his daughter, Mary Anne Cast, and her husband, Stephen; grandchildren and spouses, Autumn, Seth, Brooke, Brett, Samantha, Todd, Caroline, and great-grandchildren, Logan, Emersyn, Violet and Weston. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church Lampasas, Naruna Baptist Church, or Naruna Cemetery Association.