Wilford "Will" Lee Severance
October 7, 1931 ~ November 25, 2021
Born in:
Beloit, KS
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
Wilford “Will” Lee Severance, 90, passed on Nov. 25, 2021, and is survived by his wife, Mary Elizabeth Severance of nearly 55 years. They were married on June 8, 1968. Wilford Lee is the third son of Olive Mae (Lukens) and Robert James Severance, Sr. As with his other brothers, his early childhood was spent growing up at the small, family dairy farm. It was said he drank raw milk in large quantities and helped reduce the profits. Wilford’s elementary schooling was with the Third Ward school and later graduating from Beloit High School with the class of 1949.
During high school and other than the family farm, he worked for an area farmer west of Beloit. After graduation, he attended, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas. During the Korean Conflict (1951-1954), he served with a division of the U.S. Marine Band while stationed at Camp Pendleton, California and later with the 3rd Marine Air Wing Band in Korea. Returning to Kansas, Wilford joined the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and worked with that group for 24 years. He surveyed for the Bureau of Reclamation and helped bring water into Lake Pueblo from mountain high altitudes. This was a shocking experience for a dry land Kansas farmer. In July of 1980, he started and became owner of an eight-bay Car Wash. Wilford had three great attractions, the Pueblo Power Wash Car of 41 years, Broncos, and his two beloved cats, Pumpkin and Patches.
Additional survivors are his son, Jeffery Allan, and wife, Andrea Severance who live in Waterloo, New York, state.
Two living brothers, Robert (Bob) James Severance, Jr. and his wife, Mary Ann. They live in Asheville, (Mitchell County) Kansas. Harold Gail Severance and his wife, Anne. They live in Concordia, Kansas; Still further survivors are David Michael who lives in Ft. Walton, Florida, and Greg Martin Severance and his wife, Sandy who live in Carson City, Nevada Lastly three grandchildren survive Wilford, namely Scott Andrew, Keely and Ryan Severance all of whom who live in Pueblo, Colo. Lastly, two great-grand children, Charlotte Parlapiano who lives in Orlando, Florida and Bailey Francis Severance born October 31, 2007, who lives in Pueblo, Colo. Numerous other nieces and nephews also survive Wilford’s death.
Preceded in death was Jennifer Ann, a daughter on October 27, 2015. Jennifer was born on October 30, 1958. She moved to Virginia Beach, Virginia wherein she died. Her passion was horses and she lived her dream by working as a trainer on an Arabian horse farm.
A memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Dec. 15, 2021, at New Life Bible Church, 2320 S. Prairie Ave. Online condolences, www.MontgomerySteward.com
Services
Memorial Service: December 15, 2021 1:00 pm
New Life Bible Church
2320 S. Prairie Avenue
Pueblo, CO 81005
719-583-8393
In reality Will was the only father I truly knew. The early years were tumultuous at best. It wasn’t until sometime in 1979 did I learn how much he actually loved me. From that day forward I tried to prove to him that I appreciated him very much.
I was instrumental in finding the car wash location he dearly loved, which he lost for a period of time because of Mary’s ridiculous fight with the IRS. In 1998, He came to me and asked me to use my skills and get his life back. I was very fortunate to do just that. I entered the Bankruptcy Court ordered tax audit and proved the “tax debt” wasn’t legit. I further turned the IRS claim into a substantial refund. This was one of the proudest days in my life, I had succeeded in returning the life he knew back to him. The car wash never again ended up in the hands of the IRS again. I continued to guide him for several years to make sure that didn’t ever happen again.
I loved my father very much I was very fortunate to learn, when My brother Greg had the opportunity to have closure; dad assured him that he loved me as well. I am very happy, he has exited the pain he suffered throughout his last days and is in peace with our savior Jesus. I miss you Dad and probably will until God allows me to join you once again.
We were saddened to see that Will has passed. He was always so kind and friendly. He always went out of his way to greet us. May God give you peace and comfort at this difficult time.