Paul D. Willis

Paul D. Willis, January 8, 1932-December 2, 2020 Paul D. Willis was born and raised on a farm in Pike County, Indiana and after graduation moved to Evansville where he lived all his adult life. He worked for several major manufacturers in the area until his retirement. A very skilled craftsman and carpenter, he built the family’s home near Elberfeld and later with his brother-in-law remodeled, expanded and modernized his in-law’s farmhouse in Petersburg. To his family, there seemed to be nothing he couldn’t do from carpentry, to mechanical work, to gardening. Paul lived by example a life of dedication to family and quiet, selfless service. In retirement, he spent a tremendous amount of time mentoring his grandchildren, teaching them important life skills, attending all their sporting events, sharing his love for fishing and Cardinals baseball. Paul was a devoted husband to his wife, Joy Willis. This coming February 24 would have been their 70th anniversary. Together they raised four children, Pam Dahlin of Osceola, IN, Debbie Lutz of Evansville, IN, David Sampson of Gainesville, TX and Cheryl DeWeese of Indianapolis, IN. He actively enjoyed their 8 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, all of whom survive him. A man of deep Christian faith all his life, he was an active member of the Washington Ave. Church of Christ in Evansville. The family wishes to offer their profound thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at Deaconess Gateway Hospital for their care, concern and professional dedication over the two weeks of Paul’s illness. A private graveside service will be held at the Walnut Hill Cemetery in Petersburg, IN. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Tri-State Food Bank, 2504 Lynch Rd., Evansville, IN 47711. http://www.tristatefoodbank.org “Eternal God, receive Paul into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light.”