Willard Thain Price

 Willard “Willy” Thain Price

June 11, 1941 – September 25, 2024

Willard “Willy” Thain Price, a longtime resident of Buhl and Twin Falls, Idaho, passed away peacefully on the morning of September 25, 2024, at the age of 83. Born on June 11, 1941, in Jerome, Idaho, Willy was known and loved by all who had the pleasure of meeting him. Since 2018, he has been a resident at Canyons Retirement Community, where he continued to make lasting friendships.

Willy married Patricia Jordan, on June 16, 1961, and together they raised two children, Randy and Rhonda, they later divorced. Willy enjoyed a diverse working life, he farmed in the Buhl area, and spent many years at Independent Meat in Twin Falls, driving a truck for Wagner Transportation, working as a cowboy at the Twin Falls Livestock and Commission Company, and making countless friends while working behind the counter at Red’s Beverage and Sporting Goods in Filer, as well as the Twin Stop Chevron at Washington and Addison in Twin Falls, and Gem State Security.

Willy always had fond memories of watching Randy and Rhonda grow up on the family farm. He especially enjoyed their time rodeoing together, where he served as an instructor, mentor, errand runner, and constant source of encouragement to both of them.

In his younger years, Willy loved hunting and later took up woodworking, crafting clocks, and nicknack shelves that his family still proudly displays. A lifelong fan of John Wayne, Willy built an impressive collection of memorabilia and a complete library of every film in which the iconic actor appeared.

One of Willy’s greatest joys was meeting new people, and he never met a stranger. His kindness was felt by everyone around him, and he could often be seen on his scooter at the edge of Pole Line Road, waving to passersby. Many would stop to visit with him for a few moments, drawn to his warm and friendly nature. Willy would often share stories with family and friends about the people he had met and the connections he cherished.

Willy was preceded in death by his parents, Herman Price and Zada Willard, and his brother Jack Price. He is survived by a brother Tim Severa, his children, Randy (Stacy) Price and Rhonda (Jay) Barlogi, his grandchildren, Kelsey Price (Wyatt), Kaleb Price (Morgan), Kolten Price, Mellisa Coleman (Jimmy), Tyler Barlogi (Taylor), and Taylor Barlogi-Gil (Jon), and several great-grandchildren, all of whom he adored.

A celebration of Willy’s life is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 18, 2024, at Wilks Magic Valley Funeral Home in Twin Falls, and will be followed by a Military Inurnment at the Snake River Canyon National Cemetery in Buhl at 1:00 p.m.

Willy’s legacy of friendship, kindness, and joy will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and the many people whose lives he touched.