Willard worked at Toledo Edison and served as Special Deputy with the Lucas County Sheriff’s office. He owned Modern Communications Inc., servicing and selling two way radios. Willard was active in TEAR (Toledo Emergency Amateur Radio), his Ham call signs included W8HYE/W2IOS. Willard was a Broadcasting Engineer for several television stations in Illinois, New Jersey and Ohio. He was a member of IATSE, Local 228 and IBEW in Toledo, Ohio. Willard was active at Rockford First Church of the Nazarene and volunteered with Angel Ministry Food program.
Willard is survived by his wife Florence; children: Michele (David) Franks, Alan Shears, Miriam (Robert) Tharnish and Alec (Shirley) Shears; siblings: Beverly Cousino, Fred (Beverly) Kraemer, Norma Guiher, and Lawrence (Margo) Shears; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Graveside service to celebrate Willard’s life will be 2:00 pm Monday August 15, 2016 at Willwood Cemetery in Rockford. Advantage Funeral Home is assisting the family.
