John Willard

John D. Willard, 88, of the Illinois Veterans Home, formerly of Golden, died March 3, 2017 in Blessing Hospital.  He was born November 1, 1928, the son of Thelma and J. Roscoe (Jess) Willard.  He married Patricia Finnigan on September 26, 1949, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Monroe City, MO.  She survives of the Illinois Veterans Home.

Also surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Debra Ann Willard and Sal Johnson, and two grandchildren, Samantha and Roscoe Johnson, all of Leesburg VA and one almost daughter, his niece, Patricia Eileen Dimmitt (Barry) of Quincy.

Mr. Willard graduated from Bowen High School and attended the University of Illinois.  He was a long-time farmer and worked at Americana Seed Company before retirement. He enjoyed boating, water skiing, reading, history and travel and was instrumental in getting Ebenezer Chapel placed on the National Historic list.

As per John’s wishes he was cremated. A Memorial Mass will be 10:00 A.M. on Friday, May 12, 2017 in the All Faiths Chapel at the Illinois Veterans Home with Father Don Blickhan officiating. Family will receive friends from 9:00 A.M. until the time of services in the All Faiths Chapel at the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy. Interment will be in Ebenezer Chapel Cemetery near Golden. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ebenezer Cemetery or Illinois Veterans Home Activity Fund, in care of Hunter Funeral Home, Golden.