Eugene "Gene" Powell Willard

On the peaceful yet unexpected morning of Sunday, January 4, 2026, Eugene Powell Willard, a cherished member of the community, graduated and peacefully transitioned to his eternal home with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He lived a remarkable life filled with inspiration and love, reaching the extraordinary age of 95, leaving behind a legacy that touched the hearts of many. Gene was born on September 9, 1930, in San Antonio, Texas, a city steeped in memories of his family’s rich history and a life filled with success and joy. He was the beloved son of Esse Jay, who was endearingly known as Joy, and his father, Harry Frances Willard, a man celebrated in the community and the world of magic as Willard the Wizard. Their love and unique names created an atmosphere filled with affection and the allure of the mysteries of the greatest magical masters, weaving a tapestry of wonder and curiosity that shaped Gene's early years in a truly remarkable way.

Gene’s formative years were anything but ordinary; his childhood was enriched by the magic and mystery of traveling alongside his father’s mesmerizing magic tent show as they ventured through the small towns of Texas, Louisiana, and the southern United States. Gene was immersed in a world where each day unfolded like a captivating illusion, filled with the laughter of his siblings while the gleaming lights and sounds of the big top illuminated the inspiration of their dreams. His childhood atmosphere pulsed with excitement, where every performance was a new adventure, and the mysteries of magic became the backdrop of his youthful imagination. As a family, we were all blessed by the memories created by his childhood, which wove the tapestry of memories with his two sisters, Frances and Madeline, as well as his half-brother, Howard, and half-sister, Rosemary. Together, they embarked on countless adventures, immersing themselves in the enchanting realm of performance, where the thrill of creativity and the joy of shared experiences brought them even closer. Each moment was filled with laughter and discovery, as they explored new worlds and expressed their imaginations, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts.

After a cherished childhood filled with wonder and growth, Gene found his forever companion in Dorothy. For the next 68 years, he poured his heart into a life of unwavering dedication, tenderly building and serving the family they created together. In the decades that followed, Gene poured his boundless energy into a diverse tapestry of roles, each one a shining testament to his steadfast commitment to providing for and cherishing his family. He contributed to the storied legacy of San Antonio’s grand Majestic Theatre, supported vital operations at Dr. Pepper Bottling, and applied his steady hand at the American Lithium Chemical Plant. He served the community with pride as a driver for the San Antonio Transit Authority before retiring with honor after a fulfilling quarter-century with the Greyhound Corporation. After retirement, he exercised his caring and patient nature with children with special needs in the Northeast School District. He later brought precision, expertise, and deep care to the family diamond business as a Certified Diamond Grader from the prestigious Gemological Institute of America (GIA). His lifelong passion for the art of magic was beautifully celebrated with his elevation to the esteemed Royal Order of Willard by the Texas Association of Magicians, in recognition of 25 years of devoted, continuous membership in this cherished organization.

Gene’s legacy is a testament to the power of family and the lives he touched with his warmth and kindness. He is preceded in death by his lifelong sweetheart and devoted wife of 68 years, Dorothy Jean Willard, who stood by his side through thick and thin, and their beloved daughter, Vickie Lynn Patterson, and son-in-law, James Wayne Patterson. He also joins his mother, Joy, and father, Harry, his brothers Howard Willard and Patrick Willard, his sisters, Gloria Dodge and Rosemary White, his brothers-in-law, Kenneth Neal and Billy Copeland, and his nephews, Chris Copeland and Forest Clark Copeland, all of whom played pivotal roles in his journey.

Those who carry his memory forward include his son, Eugene Neal Willard, and wife Cheri, his grandchildren Jayme Lynn Mason and husband Richard, James Patrick Patterson and wife Danielle, Joy Cherise Willard, Jonathan Neal Willard, and Jena Chea Willard. His heart swelled with joy as he welcomed each of his great-grandchildren: Taylor Mason, Kate Mason, Rachel Patterson Doolittle and husband Carter, Reagan Patterson, Charley Patterson, and Liliana Willard Tolliver. He also held a special place in his heart for his sister-in-law, Gail Neal; niece Bonnie Noftsger and husband Mitch; nephew Ken Neal; his sisters, Madeline Copeland and Francis Faulkenstein; nieces Margo Timons, Hannah Ammar, and husband Michael; and nephew Aaron Tucker.

The funeral services honoring Gene's remarkable life will be held Monday, February 2, at Sunset Memorial Park and Funeral Home, located at 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, Texas 78218. Friends and family are invited to gather at 1 PM, with the funeral service beginning at 2 PM. We will come together to celebrate the profound impact Gene made, ensuring that his legacy continues to inspire future generations.