CHARLES OLIVER HIETT

Charles Oliver Hiett, a resident of Willow Springs, passed away early Monday morning, March 7, 2022, while at Kabul Nursing Home in Cabool, MO. He was born October 28, 1928, in Wellington, TX to James and Ann ( Hazard) Hiett and was 93 years old.

Growing up, Charles attended a two-room schoolhouse in rural Texas. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy when he was 17 years old. After his discharge, he went on to college in Texas and obtained his bachelor's degree. Charles had a remarkable career in the military. After serving briefly in the Navy at the end of WWII; he then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps where he trained as a jet fighter pilot. He met his future wife, Martha, while she was strapping him into the plane he was learning to fly. It was love at first sight for Charles and they were married on July 14, 1951. Not only did he serve during the Korean conflict, but he also served in the Vietnam war, where he flew 300 missions and received the Distinguished Flying Cross and several other medals and accommodations for his service as well as being the first Marine "Blue Angel." He retired from the military in 1970 after proudly serving his country for 23 years retiring as a Lt. Colonel. The family owned and operated a hotel in the Bahamas for several years; they also owned a fixed base operation for airplanes in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, before moving to  Missouri to run a cattle ranch. He will be dearly missed by his family, his friends, and all who knew him.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Martha.

He is survived by his daughter, Margaret Hiett of Willow Springs; his son, James Hiett and his wife, Jayline of Branson; and his son, Charles Hiett, Jr. and his wife, Cynthia also of Willow Springs. He is further survived by his grandchildren: Jason Hiett, Janna Hiett, Jennifer Koger, Martha MacPhee, Lynne Kelly, and Charles Hiett, III; and three great-grandchildren: Purity Lee, Kylie McKinster, Jayden Kelly, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Willow Springs Public Library in his memory, and they may be left at the library or the funeral home.

A visitation for Charles will be held on Monday, March 14 from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at Willow Funeral Home, LLC and a graveside service will follow at the Willow Springs City Cemetery with Father Joseph Stoverink officiating and with full military honors. Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home, LLC. Online condolences may be left at www.willowspringsfuneralhome.com