Edward Willard

Edward Paul "Butch" Willard, 58, died at 7:10 p.m., Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at his residence after a brave and valiant battle with pancreatic cancer.

He was born in Waynesburg, Pa., on June 26, 1953, one of six children born to George & Sharon (Dumier) Willard of Cassville, West Virginia.After graduating from high school, he immediately joined the U.S. Army.  After his honorable discharge in 1974, he relocated to the Alton area, where he has remained.He was a well known self employed contractor, framing multitudes of homes in our area over the years.  He enjoyed his work and the relationships that he built through the years, and also enjoyed softball and a good game of pool.He is survived by his longtime companion, whom he married Feb. 3, 2012 in Edwardsville, Jacquline Y. (Huett) Willard of Alton, his parents, George & Sharon Willard of Cassville, WV.,; five children, Natalie Willard of Oklahoma City, Ok., Brandy Willard and Brian Willard both of St. Louis, Josh Walker of St. John, Mo., and Adam Walker of Alton; two step children, Levi Frazier and Kelsey Frazier both of Jerseyville; a granddaughter; and his mother in law and father in law, JoAlice Rodgers and Jack Huett both of Jerseyville.Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Monday at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville.Visitation will continue on Tuesday from 10 a.m., until time of funeral services at 11 a.m., at the funeral home.  Rev. Fred Church will officiate.Burial will be in the Rosedale Cemetery with the Jerseyville American Legion Post 492 conducting military graveside rites.Memorials may be given to his family in care on the funeral home.

Obit Provided By:
Crawford Funeral Home