Gene was born December 3, 1935, in Decatur, the son of Jack and Glenna Byrd Willis. He married Dorothy McDowell on June 22, 2003, in Le Roy. She survives.
Also surviving are his step-children, Debbie Knoedler; Joe Jenkins; Jodi Wallace; 19 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; a sister, Barb Spain of Decatur. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister; one son; and a granddaughter.
Gene was a man of strong faith. He treasured his wife and family.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, August, 18, 2018 at their residence in Le Roy, 810 North East Street, Le Roy, IL. 61752. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online condolences may be shared with the family at eastlawn-bloomington.com