Bill Willis

Bill E. Willis, age 92, passed away at the Hospice House in Coeur d’Alene, ID, on November 21, 2016.

Bill was born in Denmark, OR, on February 17, 1924, to Fred C. and Marjorie M. (Gilstrap) Willis and was raised in Coos Bay, OR. He enlisted into the United States Navy and served at Pearl Harbor during World War II. After his discharge in 1945, he moved to Adrian, OR, where he worked as a carpenter until joining the USDA as a loan specialist for the Farm Home Administration, retiring in 1991. In 1982, he moved to Coeur d’Alene, ID.

Bill married Violet Rose McGinnis in 1945 at Anacortes, WA. She passed away on August 21, 1989. He then married Judith L. Stewart on July 3, 1991 in Coeur d’Alene, ID. She passed away January 18, 2015.

He was a former member of the American Legion and life member of the Masonic Lodge and Shriners. Bill assisted with the construction of the Children’s Village in Coeur d’Alene and volunteered at St. Vincent DePaul. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Bill is survived by his son William V. “Bill” and wife Janice Willis of Hayden; daughter Marsha and husband Andy Page of Pendleton, OR; 3 grandchildren: Crystal Willis, Jim Dill, and Tanya Rychard; 8 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren; close family friend Becky Baeth.

In addition to his 2 wives, Bill is preceded in death by his grandson Terry Wright; 3 brothers and 2 sisters.

Memorials may be made to Hospice House, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835.

At his request no service will be held. A private remembrance will be held at a later date.