Kenneth Willard

Kenneth N. Willard died on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 2016 at his home in Abilene, Texas after losing his battle with cancer.

He was born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin on November 2, 1931 a son of Alonzo and Grace (Norton) Willard. On February 28, 1958, he married Janet Ellen Steinke in Oceanside, California.

Ken retired as a Staff Sergeant from the U.S. Marine Corp. after 20 years of service, which included deployments to Korea and Vietnam. Before joining the Marines, he spent three years in the Air Force. Ken joined the Marines because he always said the Air Force was too lax. Following his retirement, he drove over-the-road for Schneider Transport of Green Bay, Wisconsin for 25 years.

Ken enjoyed spending time with his family and spoiling his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Ken is survived by his daughter, Shari (David) Cross; four grandchildren, Christen Garcia, Sean (Mackinley) Cross, Penny (Mike) Kollmansberger, David (Cheryl) Cross; twelve great grandchildren, Hazel Lewis, Nicolas and Taylor Garcia, Lillie Ford, James Emmons, Kaia Cross, Robyn (Myke) Bremser, Jonathan, Rebecca, Lydia, Michael, Faith Cross; 2 great-great-grandchildren, RaeElla and Alliana Bremser; A brother, Orson (Nancy) Willard, a sister, Jane Janezak.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Janet, and a sister, Elaine Tompsett.

A memorial service with military honors will be held at Texas Veterans Cemetery, 7457 W. Lake Road Abilene, Texas on December 16th at 11:00 a.m.

Service

Cemetery