Meredith A. Willard, 73, of Mt. Vernon died 5:11 p.m. March 17, 2005, at Crossroads Community Hospital in Mt. Vernon.

He was born Oct. 6, 1931, in Lawrence County, a son of William and Grace (Stater) Willard.

He married Patsy M. (Owens) Willard Sept. 25, 1953, in Mt. Vernon; she survives.

Mr. Willard taught school and coached from 1958 to 1975 at several schools in Jefferson County and Washington County, including Ashley. He was a truck driver and trainer from 1975 until his retirement in 1996. He was of the Free Will Baptist faith. He was an Army veteran, serving from Aug. 31, 1949, to Sept. 17, 1952.

Mr. Willard is survived by his wife, Patsy Willard of Mt. Vernon; a son, Rodney Willard and wife Beverly of Mt. Vernon; two daughters, Charlotte Scott and husband Michael of Du Bois and Annalee Peacock and husband Mark of St. Louis, Mo.; nine grandchildren, Leslie Melton, Wendi Willard-Ruiz, Sarah Scott, Greg Willard, Daniel Fortman Jr., Shawn Willard, Amie Peacock, Ian Peacock and Christopher Willard; four great-grandchildren, Andrew Willard-Ruiz, Josefina Willard-Ruiz, Diego Willard-Ruiz and Leahanna Melton; two sisters, Bonnie Pate of Waltonville and Ruby Wicks of Mt. Vernon; and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Willard was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Thelma Webb and Mary Haynes; a brother, William J. "Jack" Willard; and a granddaughter, Dianna Fortman.

It was Mr. Willard's wish to be cremated. Memorial services will be held 7 p.m. Thursday at Johnston Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon, with the Rev. Clifford Hicks officiating. Visitation will be after 5 p.m. Thursday at Johnston Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mr. Willard's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Please plan to join the family for more fellowship following the memorial service at 4217 Rose Lane, City Housing Authority Community Room. For more information, you may contact Johnston Funeral Home at 242-0604.

Source: Register-News
Date: March 22, 2005
Submitted by: Robert W. Loman