Willard Shrode

1924 - 2015

Willard Carl Shrode
Evansville, IN
Willard Carl Shrode of Evansville, Indiana passed away at age 91 on Friday, December 4. His beloved wife, Jean, his partner of 69 years, and his two sons, Scott and John, were at his side.
Willard was born in Evansville on July 10, 1924, to Carl and Myrtle Shrode. He attended Benjamin Bosse High School, where he excelled academically and met his future wife. He was also active in the Boy Scouts and achieved the level of Eagle Scout. After graduating from Bosse, he matriculated to DePauw University on a Rector Scholarship. World War II broke out shortly after he began his studies at DePauw, and Willard volunteered to serve his country in 1942 as member of the United States Navy. He earned the highest grade given in navigation at Great Lakes Naval Training Center. Serving in the Pacific Theater, he participated in the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa, and at Okinawa was fleet navigator.
When Willard returned from World War II in 1946, he married his high school sweetheart, Jean Oslage. They would remain together at each other's side for the next 69 years. He completed his degree from DePauw in 1946 and began his studies at Harvard Law School in 1947. He received his juris doctorate in 1949.
Willard and Jean returned to Evansville in 1949 where he would practice primarily tax law until 2005. He was the first attorney in Indiana to enforce the One Bank Holding Company Act. His oral argument expertise was cited by the Indiana Court of Appeals. He also drafted the legislation that allows private entities in Indiana to develop public land and performed the legal work for the first such development. He served as Chairman of the Tax Section of the Indiana State Bar Association and was a member of the Evansville Bar Association for over 50 years.
Willard loved to travel, especially throughout the American West. His family made their first trip to Colorado when he was two-years-old and continued to make the journey into his 80s. He was an avid golfer and shared numerous rounds with his wife Jean. He and Jean were members of the Evansville Country Club and the Evansville Kennel Club.
Of all his accomplishments, Willard took the most pride in his family. He rarely missed an opportunity to praise his children and their spouses, as well as his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Jean, and his twin sons, W. Scott Shrode, (Susan), and Dr. John O. Shrode, (Ginny). He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sally Shrode Gibson in 2005. In addition to his wife and children, he leaves five grandchildren, John Robert Shrode, Dr. Charles W. Shrode(Kirstin), Emily McKinley(Lincoln), Dr. Kelly Thornburg(Brandon), and Ellen Shrode, and eight great grandchildren.
A gathering to greet family and friends will be held from 2:00 - 4:00 pm Monday, December 7, 2015, at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 5130 Lincoln Avenue Evansville, IN 47715. A Memorial Service will be held at 4:00 pm at the church with Rev. Mitch Gieselman officiating.
The family wishes to express its appreciation to Leighann Casper and Traci Smith and the team at Heritage Center for their excellent care and genuine concern for Willard.
In lieu of flowers gifts may be made to the Salvation Army, the Evansville Rescue Mission, The Evansville Food Bank, or a favorite charity.