Donald R. Willis

1937 - 2025

Donald R. Willis, 87, of Fort Wayne, IN, is now with the Lord January 6, 2025, Born on Sep 22, 1937, in Princeton, IN, to Samuel and Willa Willis. Don married the love of his life Doris Allen in 1957 and had two children, Devin (Brenda) Willis, Dacia (Roger) Michael. He has 4 grandchildren Taryn Willis (Drake Crosby), Dexter (Mindee) Willis, Dakota (Bri) Michael, Dawson (Jessica) Michael, and 5 great-grandchildren, Joel, Job, Lauri, Rylie, Henry. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Eugene Willis.

At 13 Don dedicated his life to God through the grace of Christ's death and resurrection. He graduated from the U. of Evansville, taught college classes, and worked as an organist. He became a computer systems research scientist with the U.S. Navy; spent 22 yrs at Magnavox developing AFATDS, satellite navigation systems, digital message devices, and supporting the development of flat panel plasma displays. He spent 13 yrs as president of Command Systems, Inc. developing intelligent networked systems to support real-time decision support. Don continued to create businesses, founded 4D Ed Fdn, and supported Keystone Schools - all designed to improve the quality of life in the area.

Don was an accomplished musician who loved classical music and fine acoustics. With the support of his wife, he was the director of music at Blackhawk Baptist Church for over a decade, helped build their first organ, and start Blackhawk Christian School. Don served on the board of the FW Philharmonic, the Salvation Army, a member of the Quest Club, to mention a few.

Don was a quiet man with a dry wit, who loved deeply yet imperfectly, with a unique ability to see the gifts in others and was driven to solve problems.

A service will be held Sat, Jan 18, 2025, 3:00 pm at Providence Presbyterian Church 639 Putnam St, Fort Wayne, IN 46808. There will be a time of fellowship and food following. Donations may be made to Providence Presbyterian Church via website or check.