GREENFIELD
Don Willard, age 78 of Greenfield, passed away Wednesday, November 13, 2019 at Hancock Regional Hospital. Don was born September 13, 1941 in Greenfield to the late Jess and Virginia (Spegal) Willard. He was a 1959 graduate of Greenfield High School and received his Masters in Education from Ball State University. He married Beth (Williams) on November 30, 1963 and they made their home and raised their family in both Knightstown and Greenfield.
Prior to his retirement Don enjoyed a 40-year teaching and coaching career at Knightstown High School and continued his coaching career for several more years at Greenfield High School. He coached all sports, but football was his passion. In 2014, Knightstown High School honored Don by naming the football stadium “Don Willard Field.” He was inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 2002 and was named the Indianapolis Colts “Coach of the Week” in 2004. He was a long-time member of the Optimists Club and an avid member of the local McDonald’s “College of Knowledge.” His hobbies included his grandsons’ athletic events and spending time with his family.
Don is survived by his wife Beth; children, Kristin (Ken) Ely, Bruce (Jennie) Willard, Ellen (Butch) Miller, and Aaron Willard; grandchildren, Jordan Conley, Josh Willard, Derek Conley, Jake Willard, Luke Ely, Eric Ely, Zach Willard, Boston Willard and Brody Willard; and siblings, Dwight Willard, Linda Willard and David (Terri) Willard.
He is preceded in death by his parents and in-laws Ray and Norma Williams.
Friends may call 2-6 p.m., Sunday, November 17, 2019 at Knightstown High School Gymnasium, 8139 US 40, Knightstown, Indiana. Funeral service 9:30 a.m., Monday, November 18th at the high school. Please enter through door 14 on the south side of the school for both calling and funeral.
Memorial contributions in honor of Don may be made to: The Don Willard Legend Scholarship Award, c/o Greenfield Banking Company. Envelopes will be available at the school.
Please share your memories of Coach Willard and condolences with his family at www.stillingerfamily.com.
