John Willis
John L. Willis, 73 of Richwood died Sunday morning, January 11, 2015 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born December 30, 1941 in Richwood to the late Douglas and Maryellen (Marvin) Willis. He was also preceded in death by a step-daughter, Shelby McClincy.
On July 31, 1978 he married the former Doris I. Pacha in Burlington, Vermont and she survives.
He was retired from both Clark Trucking and Ryan Logistics, and had worked for the Union County Engineer's Office. Earlier in his life he had worked for his parents at the Claibourne Elevator and also at Whirlpool.
A 1961 graduate of Richwood High School, John was a veteran of the U. S. Army serving during the Berlin Crisis. He was a Past Commander of the VFW Post 870 and American Legion Post 40, both in Richwood and was active in both organizations, most notably with Memorial Day activities and serving with the funeral detail. He was a 33rd degree mason and a member of Mt. Carmel #303 F&AM, Aladdin Shrine, AASR Valley of Columbus, Order of the Eastern Star, and Forty & Eight in Marysville.
John was talented with woodworking and loved tinkering. He enjoyed camping and fishing, especially at Indian Lake and Lake Erie. He never knew a stranger and will be remembered for the sparkle in his eye and his ornery smile.
Besides his wife he is survived by three sons, John L. Willis Jr., Holmesville; Michael (Joyce) Goins, Claibourne; Robert D. Willis, Claibourne; a daughter, Mandy (Jason) Swartz, Prospect; two sisters, Jean Redmon, Richwood; Linda (Jerry) Temple, Richwood; nine grandchildren, Caitlyn Laney; Heather Swartz; Jack, Hannah and Ally Jowers; Adam Wuescher; Logan, Madison and Ross McClincy; a brother-in-law, Robert Pacha, Richwood; a sister-in-law, Kathy (Alan) Fitzpatrick, Magnetic Springs; and nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, January 16, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Marysville with Rev. David Poliafico officiating. Burial will follow in Claibourne Cemetery. Friends may call on Thursday from 4 to 7 PM at the Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home, Richwood where rosary services and Masonic services will be conducted at 7:00 PM.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Richwood VFW, 9 W. Blagrove Street, Richwood, OH 43344 or Loving Care Hospice, P. O. Box 613, Marysville, OH 43040.
Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com
Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home