Ronald Lee Willard

Ronald Lee Willard, 73, of Millersburg, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, January 27, 2022.

He was born April 6, 1948, in Elkhart County to Charles and Helen (Groff) Willard.

A lifetime area resident, Ron graduated from Millersburg High School in 1966.  While in high school he was involved in 4-H, FFA and sports.  On September 14, 1968, he married Lois Ann VanFleeren at Zion Community Church, Millersburg.  Together they raised three boys on the family farm south of Millersburg.

Ron was a farmer most of his life and retired from Supreme Corporation in Goshen after being a certified welder for many years.  He enjoyed working with his hands and liked to scrap metal.  The grandkids kindly referred to him as the “Junk Man”.  He was a member of Zion Community Church, Millersburg and served on many different boards.  He also was involved in the Millersburg Lion’s Club, serving in many roles along with being president.  He was a charter member of the Michiana Farm Toy Collector’s Club, a member of the Northeast Steam and Gas Association and had served on the 4-H Beef Advisory Board.

Ron had many interests and hobbies.  He enjoyed fishing with his sons and grandkids, camping with friends at Amigo Park, collecting Allis-Chalmers tractors, traveling to toy shows and Allis-Chalmers gatherings, watching IU basketball games and the White Sox play, going to auctions and garage sales and attending Fairfield sporting events.  His grandchildren held a special place in his heart.  He loved to cheer them on at their sporting events.  He was a faithful Fairfield Falcon fan.

Survivors include his wife Lois of 53 years; three sons, Brian (Gina) Willard, Eugene Willard and Matthew (Terri) Willard, all of Millersburg; six grandchildren, Brady, Bryce and Bailey Willard and Micah, Jeremy and Joshua Daniels.  He also has two great-grandchildren and a brother, Rick (Jean) Willard of Goshen.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be Wednesday, February 2, 2022, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. A 12, noon, Sunday, February 6, funeral service will be conducted at Zion Community Church, Millersburg. Pastor Jeff Lewis will officiate.

Burial will follow in Brown Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be given to Zion Community Church, 323 E. Lincoln, Millersburg, IN 46543; Amigo Park, 27091 Amigo Park Dr., Sturgis, MI 49091 or Fairfield Athletics, 67240 C.R. 31, Goshen, IN 46528.