He is preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter, Bettina Walker and daughter, Deborah Emmerich.
Willard is survived by daughters; Vickie (Early) Hardin of Troy, Illinois, Onna (Dennis) Laflen of Belleville, Illinois; son-in-law, Joseph Emmerich; 8 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, 15 great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Willard served valiantly in the United States Navy aboard the U.S.S. Colorado. He later retired from the Terminal Railroad as a Baggage Handler.
A graveside service for Willard was held in April.
Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 15th, 2020 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Lake View Funeral Home, Fairview Heights, Illinois.