Edwin Lloyd Willems

Edwin Lloyd Willems was born to Peter and Elizabeth Willems on August 12, 1934, in Dinuba, California. When he was eight years old, they moved to Fresno where he attended Winchell Elementary, Roosevelt Junior High and High School, and Immanuel High School in Reedley.

During those years, Ed helped care for his younger siblings Eugene and Vivian, took voice lessons, enjoyed singing in choirs and quartets, and loved participating in athletics. He gave his heart to Jesus as a boy and was baptized in the San Joaquin River. His relationship with Christ was sincere and profoundly influenced his decisions and the course of his life.

After taking a few college classes at Pacific Bible Institute, Ed decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a letter carrier. He soon met the love of his life Velora Reimer. They married in 1956 and celebrated 65 years of marriage in August of 2021. Within a few months of the wedding, Ed was drafted into the Army. He served and trained as a medic and was stationed in San Antonio, Texas for two years. While there, Velora gave birth to their son Mark in 1957. After serving his country, Ed’s family returned to Fresno, where daughter Jayne joined them in 1959.

Ed resumed his work with the Postal Service, lovingly raised his family, and continued to sing. He was a soloist for the Words of the Gospel and The Gospel Voice radio broadcasts. He took part in other choirs and groups, and most recently sang with the Bethany Four Quartet. Velora accompanied him on the piano in most of these ministries. Ed had a beautiful baritone voice and loved to praise his Savior and share the gospel.

He taught Sunday school and ministered in many ways to Southeast Asian immigrants he befriended. When Ed retired in 1989, he began singing for local funeral homes and eventually served as Care Pastor for Bethany Church. He was active in his retirement years, spending time with family, helping others, and playing senior softball. He enjoyed traveling with Velora, toured to raise funds for Mexican Missions Ministries, and visited the mission work there.

Ed was a man who delighted in his family, loved sports and music, and took joy in serving others. He was known as a humble, compassionate man of integrity and faith. He loved to joke and laugh, and always had a smile and kind word for everyone. His greatest desire was for others to know his Jesus and for them to join him in heaven someday.

Ed is survived by his beloved wife Velora, son Mark and his wife Ruthanne, daughter Jayne and her husband Jeff, nine grandchildren, Briana, Eric and his wife Alex, Jacquelyn, Zachary, Nicholas, Mary, Isaiah, Elijah and Andrew, and four great-grandchildren Vivian, Maggie, Judah and Henry.

A memorial and celebration of Ed’s life will be held on Saturday, January 8, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at Bethany Church in Fresno. Graveside service to follow on Monday, January 10, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Belmont Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Faith Baptist Mission, designated to EMM (Evangelical Mexico Ministries) at PO Box 866 Eagle Lake, FL 33831-0866.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stephensandbean.com for the WILLEMS family.