Celso Wills

Celso Enrique Miguel Wills, 43, died unexpectedly on Sunday, July 20, 2025 in Lawrence, Kansas. Celso was adopted from an orphanage in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia in 1984 at age three by an American Episcopal priest and his wife. Subsequently he was raised in Southern California and the Kansas City Metro area. After graduating from Shawnee Mission East High School in 2000, he held a variety of positions in the fields of healthcare, food service, retail, and manufacturing, working hard to provide for his wife and children. In his limited spare time, he played the Afro-Brazilian martial art of Capoeira, which deepened his spirituality alongside athleticism. Celso was known most for his caring and generous spirit, devotion to his family and friends, and enjoyment of lively philosophical debates, movies, and techno music. He connected well to both people and animals – particularly those in need. He was a good listener who understood and encouraged all!

On February 18, 2001 Celso married Joi, the love of his life, in Kansas City, MO. Within their twenty-four years of Holy Matrimony, they welcomed five beautiful children: Mía, Mateo, Cristian, Galeno, and Aurora. What was truly special is not only did he love Joi and their children unconditionally, but he also tightly embraced his in-laws as his own family. They survive him alongside a host of other loved ones, residing coast-to-coast, whom he cared for deeply. Celso was preceded in death by his adoptive parents, Rev. H. Dale and Mary L. Wills.

A Memorial will be held on August 16, 2025 at 6 pm at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, 5700 W 6th St, Lawrence, KS and also streamed online. A repast will follow. To leave a message for Celso’s family, please visit peacefulrestfuneralchapel.com.