Donald James Willis

October 3, 1919 - July 19, 2015

Donald James Willis peacefully passed away the morning of July 19, 2015 at West Ridge Nursing & Rehab Center in Knoxville, Iowa at the age of 95 years. Don was born on October 3rd, 1919 in Pleasantville, Iowa. He graduated in the top three in his class from the Swan High School in 1939. After graduation, Don was drafted into the army during WWII where he saw a lot of action on the European front. An active member of the 3rd Armored Division, Don was always interested in sharing war stories with family, friends, and fellow veterans. Don authored the book ‘The Incredible Year’, documenting his first year in the war, which was published in 1988. Don was married to Winona (Caskey) Willis on September 21, 1946 in Indianola, Iowa. He worked at Solar Aircraft and Globe Machinery in Des Moines before he went to work for John Deere Works for 23 years until retirement. He was also an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Iowa for over 60 years. Don was preceded in death by his parents, James Loy Willis and Esther May (Courtney) Willis; his siblings, Kenneth Willis and Olive May Willis; and his granddaughter Heidi Elizabeth Aleff. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years Winona (Caskey) Willis and his three children; Bob and (Lou Ann) Willis, Sandy Richardson, and Linda Aleff, all of Knoxville. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren; Mike and (Lisa) Willis, Tim and (Christa) Willis, Lin and (Brent) Thoms, Maggie and (Jeff) Wilson, Abbie Aleff, Walter Richardson, Jordan Richardson, and Phillip Richardson. He is also survived by 6 great-grandchildren. Funeral Services for Donald James Willis will be Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at 11:00 am at the First Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Burial will follow at Pleasantville Cemetery. Visitation and a brunch will be two hours prior to the service. Memorials can be sent to the First Presbyterian Church of Knoxville or to the West Ridge Nursing and Rehab Center. Online condolences www.bertrandfuneralhomes.com.