Willard “Will” Grimes Marlette, loving husband, dad, grandpa, Navy veteran, lifelong avid model airplane builder and all-around craftsman, passed away April 26, 2012, in Coeur d’Alene at the age of 85, after a long battle with congestive heart failure. He was born Dec. 12, 1926, in Graham, N.C.

He grew up on a farm, attended Elon College and went to enjoy a gratifying 33-year career with Lockheed Missiles and Space. He work with pride on the Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile Program in Cape Canaveral, Fla.

A North Carolina farm boy, he attended Elon College and went on to enjoy a gratifying 33-year career with Lockheed Missiles and Space. He worked with pride on the Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile Program in Cape Canaveral, Fla.

He is survived by Betsy, his loving wife of 64 years of Coeur d’Alene; son Bobby and his wife Cynthia of Coeur d’Alene; daughter Cynthia and her husband Randy Adams of Annapolis, Md.; and grandchildren, Laura, Steven and Amanda.

Willard, his sense of humor, and the sight of his ever-present Lockheed Blackbird ball cap will be missed. We love you, Dad.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Monday, May 7, 2012, at First Presbyterian Church, Coeur d’Alene, with Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d’Alene, in care of the arrangements. A reception will follow the service at the church. You may visit Willard’s memorial and sign his online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.