Leo Deward Willard

OBITUARY Leo Deward Willard of St. Clair, MO departed this life in Sullivan, MO on October 14, 2022, having reached the age of ninety-six years, seven months and twenty-one days. Leo was born in Comstock, NE on February 23, 1926, son of Floyd S. Willard and Nellie Grace Willard nee Squier. On October 10, 1947 he was united in marriage to Dorothy LaVonne Graham and ten children came to bless this union. Leo is survived by his wife, Dorothy Willard of St. Clair, MO; by nine children, Janell Anthony of Union, MO, Debbie Goade of Union, MO, Robert Willard and wife, Robin, of Union, MO, Eugene Willard of St. Clair, MO, LaVonne Willard of St. Clair, MO, Christine Birkmann and husband, Bill, of Union, MO, Cindy Stortz of Imperial, MO, Shirley Messex and significant other, Craig Wingbermuehle, of Union, MO and Kenneth Willard of St. Clair, MO; by his brothers-in-law, Larry Graham of TX and Lester Graham of CA; by seventeen grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter, nieces, nephews, great and great-great-nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends. Leo was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Nellie Willard; by his son, Larry Willard; by his brothers, Floyd E. Willard and Harold Willard; by his sisters, Juanita Kenyon, Marion Baker, Lottie Moldvan, Fern Willard, Iona Rittenhouse and Geneva Willard; and by one grandson, Joshua Camden. He was proud to have served his country in the United States Navy during both World War II and the Korean War, entering on June 7, 1944 and receiving his honorable discharge on June 6, 1954. During his working career he was employed by Daimler-Chrysler Corporation in Fenton, MO, retiring after over twenty years of service to the company. Leo was a member of both American Legion Post 347 and VFW Post 2482, both in St. Clair, MO. He was a mechanic his whole life and even volunteered to work on family and friend’s vehicles. In his younger years he loved racing stock cars. Leo also enjoyed watching car races and boxing on television. Going fishing was another of his pastimes. He especially loved watching his grandsons play football, watching football on the television and thought the world of his pet cats and dogs. What meant most to him was time spent with family. The love they shared and many precious memories they created together will be forever cherished by them all. A kind and loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great and great-great-grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle, great and great-great-uncle, cousin and treasured friend, he will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved him. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, October 20, 2022 at Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, MO with Rev. Ben Kingston officiating. Interment with full military honors will be in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Leo Deward Willard

February 23, 1926 - October 14, 2022