WOODWARD, Okla. — It is with heavy hearts that we share the peaceful passing of our dad at his home in Woodward, Okla. on Jan. 21, 2024 where he lived for over 50 years. Lloyd was born to Lowell and Elizabeth (Whittig) Willcut on Feb. 10, 1935 in Stafford Country, Kan. He lived his early life helping tend to the family farm in Stafford County. After graduating from Great Bend High School he went to work as a truck driver in the oil field, worked for a drilling company, and served in the National Guard. While there are many versions of how, during this time he picked up his nickname ‘Decon’ which stuck with him throughout his life, with many life-long colleagues never knowing his birth name.
It was during this time he met Carole Muth. They were married on Aug. 10, 1958 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Otis, Kan. They were married for 57 years until her death of colon cancer in 2015. They made their first home in Great Bend, Kan. where they had two daughters Laurie and Julie. Their family moved to Woodward, Okla. 1970, when he opened a branch office for Detroit Diesel. In 1972, with Carole’s encouragement, he founded his own machine shop and oil field repair business, Northwest Service and Equipment. It came to be known in the oil patch simply as “Decon’s Shop”. Decon’s knowledge and expertise were well known. He worked throughout the U.S. and abroad including Syria, China, and Kenya. While working hard, he also enjoyed the social aspects of life in the oilfield including derrick raisings, a chili feed, or a fish fry at Decon’s shop.
Decon had a compassionate soul and great sense of humor. He was never without a good story or joke at his essence. Anyone who knew our dad knows he had a strong work ethic and was proud of his business which was his passion. He was also committed to his family and enjoyed traveling across the United States, Mexico, and Canada with Carole and their dogs in their RV. After Carole’s passing, he continued his travel adventures with his daughters and son-in-law. A voracious reader, he enjoyed learning about the history of the places he visited. He also enjoyed spending time with his daughters and his love for us was never in question. A loyal friend Decon, enjoyed visiting with friends including early morning coffee with his buddies. He also enjoyed a good margarita, a glass of Wild turkey, blue-grass and country music, trains, Sunday drives in his truck, and time with his dogs
Decon was preceded in death by his parents Lowell and Elizabeth Willcut; sister Alice; and brothers Lowell (J.R.) and Warren. He is survived by his daughters Julie Ray and husband Dr. Stan Ray of Stillwater, Okla., Dr. Laurie Ford of Vancouver, BC Canada; his dog Buddy (the Geezer), nephews Kirt Willcut (Wichita, Kan. ) and Kemper Willcut (Crystal River, Fla.); and many friends across the U.S. While he was never too sure he was good at being a “girl dad”, we think he did just fine. We miss him greatly but believe he is happy to finally be reunited with his sweetheart Carole.
A celebration of Decon’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Lloyd’s name to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America or the W.O.O.F Pet Rescue with Billings Funeral Home accepting the contributions on behalf of the family.
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Jan. 25, 2024
