Robert E. Willard

Robert Ellsworth Willard, age 94, of Columbus, Ohio, died at his home on Thursday, September 29th, 2016. Robert was born 1922 in Toboso, Ohio. Robert was preceded in death by his mother Frances Willard, brothers, David Rittenhouse and Franklin Willard, and by his sons Dennis E. Willard and Robert Dale Willard. Robert is survived by his wife, Mary Louise (Brown) Willard, daughter Kathy A. (Willard) Brunell of Georgia, son Douglas Willard (Patricia Quintana) of Virginia, grandchildren, Andrea (Todd) DeBella, Mark(Jayme)Brunell, and Jennie (Chris) Dawson, and 7 great-grandchildren, Natalie DeBella, Lincoln and Penelope Brunell, and Cayden, Camryn, Adalyn and Cora Dawson, all of Georgia. A 1940 graduate of Newark High School, Robert worked as a baker until he began service in the Army Air Force October 7, 1942. His military service training included Radio Operator Mechanic, Aerial Gunnery, and Gunnery Instructor (Laredo, Texas). His active service was in the China/India/Burma theatre in the 10th Air Force, 7th Bomb Group, 436th Squadron. Robert’s honorable discharge as Technical Sergeant on October 8, 1945 included recognitions of Good Conduct, Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Campaign ribbon with 2 battle stars. Robert and Mary Louise Brown (of Newark), were married in 1949, and lived in Newark until their move to Columbus in 1955. Robert and Mary have been long-time members of The Church of the Master, United Methodist Church, Westerville, Ohio. Robert belonged to the American Legion Post #82 for 40 years. Robert’s childhood experiences in the woodlands of Black Hand Gorge established a fondness for tramping the woods and exploring nature, something he extended to his family members. He retired in 1984 from his position at Midland Ross (Honeywell) and devoted his time to his family (which included more woods-tramping with the dogs and children!), along with kind service to others. Vegetable gardening, bird watching, and a passion for reading, electronics, and biblical history were favorite pastimes. Robert and Mary did nearly 15 years of volunteer meal delivery and transportation with the Aids Service Connection and LifeCare Alliance of Columbus. Calling hours are on Monday, October 3rd from 5:00 – 7:00 PM. Services will be held at Rutherford Funeral Home, Worthington, Ohio at 1:00 PM on Tuesday October 4, 2016. Burial with Military Honors will be at Northlawn Cemetery, Westerville, Ohio immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in memory of Robert to: Church of the Master, Westerville, Colony Cats & Dogs of Columbus, or the World Wildlife Fund.

Robert E. Willard

April 3, 1922 - September 29, 2016