Willard was an 11th generation Cape Codder, born and raised in Yarmouth Port to his late parents Warren and Mary (MacIssac) Ellis. He was a graduate and past president of Yarmouth High School, class of '44. Willard missed his High School commencement ceremony as a result of the draft. He served as Sergeant in the 66th Division, 262nd Regiment, Company G with the US Army during WWII and was an expert rifle marksman. After the war, Willard attended and graduated from Burdett College in Boston.
Before his retirement Willard was the Yarmouth Port Postmaster for 33 years. He was also a Call Fireman for 29 years with the Yarmouth Fire Department and was past president of the Bass River Rod and Gun Club.
In addition to his loving wife of 51 years, Jeanette L. (Buckler) Ellis; Willard is predeceased by his brothers Harold and John Ellis. He is survived by his 5 children Nancy and her husband Rian Ice of S. Dennis, MA; Brian Ellis and his wife Lisa of S. Yarmouth, MA; Kathy and her husband Jim Dawe of Methuen, MA; Carol and her husband Michael Nikin of Acworth, GA; Tom Ellis and his wife Liz of Yarmouth Port, MA; his sister Muriel Holdsworth of FL and brother-in-law Charles Buckler and his wife Elaine of Centerville, MA. He also leaves behind his 7 adored grandchildren and loving caregiver Vincent Dekpor.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Sunday, July 15th from 4:00 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Doane, Beal & Ames, 729 Route 134, S. Dennis, MA 02660. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. Monday at Sacred Heart Chapel, 32 Summer St., Yarmouth Port, MA 02675 followed by burial with military honors at Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Ave., Bourne, MA.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Visiting Nurse Association of Cape Cod, 255 Independence Dr., Hyannis, MA 02601. For online condolences please visit www.doanebealames.com.
DONATIONS
Visiting Nurse Association of Cape Cod255 Independence Dr., Hyannis, MA 02601
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