Robert “Bob” D. Willits, 90, of Greenfield, passed away Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015, at Hancock Regional Hospital. He was born on Dec. 19, 1924, in Cicero, Indiana as the son of Raymond D. and Ruth (Stewart) Willits.
He graduated from Maxwell High School in 1942. He served in the Army as a Staff Sergeant during WWII from 1943-1946. He earned a purple heart and three bronze stars while serving in Company B 68th Armored Infantry Battalion. Bob married Norine (Peacock) on July 7, 1949, in Maxwell.
He was the owner of Willits Construction for over 60 years before retiring in 2008. Mr. Willits was a member of Trinity Park United Methodist Church and the American Legion of Greenfield. He was a farmer, an avid Purdue fan, and loved his family.
Bob is survived by his children, Patty (Gary) Edwards of Greenfield, Donna (Dave) Benjamin of Roscoe, Illinois, and Richard (Karen) Willits of Greenfield; nine grandchildren, Melissa, Matthew, Amanda, Chrstine, Craig, Ryan, Ashley, Kelli, and Brooke; and nine great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond D. and Ruth (Stewart) Willits; wife, Norine (Peacock) Willits; brother, Jonathan Willits, and sisters, Evelyn Silverthorn and Dorothy Slinkard.
Visitation will be held from 4 until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015, at Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory, 1484 W. US Hwy. 40, Greenfield, IN 46140. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2015, at 11 a.m. also at the mortuary. Reverend Mike Manning will be officiating. Burial will follow at Park Cemetery in Greenfield with full military rites presented by the Greenfield Veterans Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Robert D. and Norine G. Willits Fund at the Hancock County Community Foundation, 312 East Main Street, Greenfield, IN 46140 or envelopes will be available at the mortuary.
Friends may share a memory or send a condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com or email condolences to [email protected].
