William Willis

William "Dink" Willis, 70, of Mountainview, AR, passed away at 2:45 a.m. on Saturday, January 8, 2011 at his daughter's home in Rochester, IL. Dink was born February 17, 1940 in Springfield, IL, the son of Ernest and Jennie Paoni Willis. He married Olive Carter in 1963 in Springfield, IL and they resided in Williamsville, IL for over 30 years and were members of the Williamsville Christian Church. Olive preceded him in death in 1992. He later married Sharon Case in 1995 and moved to Moutainview, AR, where they are members of St. Mary's Catholic Church. Dink was a graduate of Cathedral Boys High School. He worked as a clerk at the post office for over 30 years. He played baseball until he was 60 and loved to hunt, travel and spend time with his grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by parents, Ernest and Jennie. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Case Short Willis of Mountainview, AR formerly of Cimmiskey, IN; daughter, Candace (husband, Dr. Keith Cummins D.M.D.) Cummins of Rochester, IL; step-daughter, Victoria Denise (husband, Greg) Owens of North Vernon, IN; two step-sons, Glyndon (significant other, Debbie) Short of Bloomington, IN and Lonnie (wife, Melissa Short of Deputy, IN; nine grandchildren, Melinda, Evan, Jered, Ashley, Jake, Briana, Clayton, Wyatt and Bailey; one great-granddaughter, Alexis; brother, Bob (wife, Terry) Willis of Sherman; two sisters, Suzanne (husband, Jim) Simko and Nancy (husband, Jim) Bartlett, both of Springfield, IL; one aunt; one uncle; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Family will receive friends from 5:00 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 5:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 13, 2011 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 2119 N. 20th St., Springfield, IL, with Rev. Tom Donovan, celebrant. Burial will follow at Walnut Hill Cemetery in Williamsville, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to: American Cancer Society, 687 E. Linton Ave., Springfield, IL 62703 or Make a Wish Foundation, 640 N. LaSalle, Suite 280, Chicago, IL 60610.