Willie Wren Jr. was born May 17, 1935 (it was recorded May 18th) to Irene and Willie Wren Sr. in Colt, Arkansas.  As a young man he moved to Kansas City with his aunt and uncle to find work.  He worked several jobs finally retiring at Ford Motor Company after 26 years.

Willie was very resourceful. He fished in the summer and hunted during the winter.  He was known as the "Rabbit Man" to those who he sold rabbits to seasonally.  Willie was hard-working, yet he made time for pleasures; singing in a quartet and playing softball.  He belonged to several clubs including the CB Club and was known as  "Side Cap" which he signed off as "Side Cap with my cap to the side!"  He was a member of a Saddle Club and you could catch him riding a horse down Prospect!  His wind down consisted of being at home either watching the same VHS tapes of Country Westerns or his favorite gospel group the Williams Brothers.  If he was home either one of those was guaranteed to be playing.

He departed this life on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at Highland Rehabilitation Center.  He was preceded in death by his parents; several siblings; and most memorable his sons, Robert and Larry K.; daughters, Betty Jo, Victoria and Linda; grandkids, Terry, Diamond, Craig B. and Jaris.

He leaves to cherish his memory sons, James, Craig, Larry L. (Lisa), Willie, Keith, Daniel and Lorenzo; daughters, Connie, Frances, Barbara, Willie Vandese, Cynthia, Randi and Tonie; one brother, Robert (Bonnie); sisters, Mattie, Rosetta, and Bell.  His running buddy and nephew, Thomas.  As well as a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, a multitude of friends and loved ones.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc .