Willis was a simple, hardworking man who enjoyed the quiet pleasures of country living. After graduating, he briefly worked as an accountant, but he quickly discovered that office life was not for him. A smart and ingenious man, he found his true calling in Louisiana farming, agriculture, and engineering. Though he held no formal engineering degree, his sharp mind and natural talent spoke for themselves. Willis helped develop and build the first two-row cane cutter, and he traveled many times to Puerto Rico to teach others and continue advancing the work.
He had a deep love for farming and was especially passionate about raising rabbits, chickens, and doves — at one point keeping as many as sixteen pairs of doves. He found peace in the simple things in life: watching the ducks, and sitting by the window each morning to watch the birds and squirrels outside while drinking coffee with his beloved children and best friend Anna-Marie.
Willis was the kind of man who, if he wanted something, would simply make or build it himself. At one point, he built barbecue pits for each of his children. He will be deeply missed by his family, all of whom he loved so much.
Visitation will be held at Evangeline Funeral Home in Delcambre on Monday, May 4, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and will resume on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, from 8:00 AM until the service time. The Men’s Rosary Group of Delcambre will lead the recitation of the Rosary on Monday evening at 6:00 PM.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 11:00 AM, with Deacon Patrick Burke officiating. Interment will follow immediately after the services in the church mausoleum, where Willis will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife.
Willis is survived by his son, John P. Robicheaux and his wife Michelle; his daughters, Phyllis R. Regan, Jennifer R. Dunbar and her husband Don, and Debbie R. Rogers and her husband Brian; his brother, Johnny Robicheaux and his wife Barbara; and his grandchildren, Grant Regan (Cathy), Phillip Regan (Helen), Allissabeth Ferreyros (Joel), Cal Rogers (Alisha), Craig Rogers, Cassie Rogers, Cortni Segura, Logan Robicheaux, Morgan R. Wulf (Zack), Madison Robicheaux, and Melissa Dunbar Trahan.
He also leaves behind to cherish his memory his great-grandchildren: Noah, Chloe, Joseph, and Aiden Regan; Joella and Allina Ferreyros; Maddox and Lilliana Dunbar; Amber, Alexis, Harper, Cory (Fatima) and Avery Rogers; Claire Olivier; and Landen, Cayden, and Cruz Segura. He is also survived by his great-great-grandchildren, Wesley Derise, Anna Marie Rogers, and with two more great-great-grandchildren on the way.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years, Genevieve Renard Robicheaux; his son-in-law, Gerald L. Regan; his grandchild, Tyson Dunbar; and his siblings, Paul Robicheaux, Mabel R. Pacetti, Dalta Mae R. Arceneaux, Lucille Robicheaux and Dorthy LaCoste.
Serving as pallbearers will be John Robicheaux, Avery Rogers, Grant Regan, Phillip Regan, Cal Rogers, and Craig Rogers.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Heart of Hospice for the compassionate care and support they provided during this difficult time.
Funeral arrangements are in the care of Evangeline Funeral Home of Delcambre.
