Willard Curtis

Pogue

Willard Curtis Pogue

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Willard Curtis Pogue.  Willard was born on September 10, 1955, in St. Louis, MO and passed away on February 14, 2026 in Ellington, MO attaining the age of 70 years 5 months and 4 days.

Willard was easygoing, generous, and would give the shirt off his back to help anyone. He was well-liked by everyone who knew him and was always willing to lend a hand. If something was broken, Willard could fix it.

On August 26, 1978, in Centerville, Missouri, he married the love of his life, Christine Pogue. For 48 years, Christine was his "forever Valentine." Their love was evident to all who knew them, and Willard never failed to show her how special she was to him.

A true jack of all trades, Willard began working on cars as a teenager and later worked at a gas station, Caine Steel alongside his dad, Goodyear, Nordyne, and for the past 21 years, Doe Run. No matter where he worked, he was known for his strong work ethic and mechanical skill.

Willard was an avid farmer — that was his true passion. During the summer months, you could almost always find him in the hayfields or tending to his cattle.

He shared a tight bond with both of his boys, Will and Doug.  He loved spending time with them — from hunting and fishing to working on farm equipment (that they helped break) or just hanging out. He was incredibly proud of the men he raised.

Willard loved teasing his grandkids.  Annamarie was his "Princess". Willard and Christine were her "nother" grandma and grandpa.  He was forever proud of the young woman and mother that she grew into.  He lovingly called his grandsons Curtis and Amos "yo yo's" and when they were little he always had pockets full of change to give them some "cold hard cash".  He had a contagious laugh and never failed to make them laugh too. They loved spending weeks in the summer helping grandpa Willard working on the farm and learning how to fix things.  From the day Willard met Dalton, he took him under his wing.  He taught him how to hunt, work on the farm and took him fishing.

Willard adored his great-grandchildren and shared a special bond with each of them.

He is survived by his loving wife, Christine Pogue; his sons, Willard (Amy) Pogue and Douglas (Savannah) Pogue; and his adopted son, Jason Bomarito (Melissa). His grandchildren, Annamarie (Josh), Karlee (Justin), Dalton (Katie), Curtis, and Amos; and his great-grandchildren, Matthew, Kye, Wyatt, and Octavia.

He is further survived by his siblings, Denise (Ron), Dennis (Annie), Louise, Clinton, and Donna; along with many nieces, nephews, and friends who will mourn his passing.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents, Gene and Delma Pogue; and his brother-in-law, John Payne.

Willard will be remembered for his generous heart, his unwavering love for his family, and the countless lives he touched with his kindness, humor, and helping hands. His legacy of love, hard work, and devotion to family will live on in all who knew him.

Visitation: Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 5-8 PM at McSpadden Funeral Home, Ellington, Missouri

Funeral: Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 10 AM

Minister: Pastor Al Pruitt assisted by Jason Bomarito

Burial: Price Cemetery

Pallbearers: Willard Pogue Jr., Doug Pogue, Jason Bomarito, Eugene Keys, Larry Pogue and Curtis Pogue

In Lieu of Flowers: Donations can be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital

Arrangements by McSpadden Funeral Home, Ellington, Missouri