Donald Joe Willis

Donald Joe Willis, age 86, of Chillicothe, passed away on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at his home, surrounded by the family he loved beyond measure.
Don was born on July 4, 1939, in Vienna, IL, to Donald Fern and Roena Marjorie (Daniels) Willis. On December 14, 1958, he married his high school sweetheart, Phyllis Ann Ricconi, at the Chillicothe First United Methodist Church.
Their candlelight ceremony was the kind people remember decades later, filled with roses, music, and two young hearts ready to start a life together. For nearly 67 years, Don and Phyllis lived that promise with loyalty, devotion, and a love that endured everything life brought their way.
Together, Don and Phyllis built a beautiful family. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; their children, Joseph Daniel (Kris) Willis, Sr., Shari Lea (Tom) Schmit, Donald James Thomas (Kristy) Willis, and LouAnn "Lovey" Willis (Scott) Harms; grandchildren Joseph (Sarah) Willis, Jr., Jacob (Holly) Willis, Jalynn "JJ" (Nate) Rohlf, Drew Elwell, Aaron Elwell, Shalea "Shajay" (Mark) Welty, Megan "Mo" Otto, Erika (Greg) Finch, Tyler (Alyssa) Schmit, Denver Willis, Nichole Willis, Katie (Donovan) Benson, Drew "Andy" (Izzy) Harms, Ethan "EJ" Harms, Cody (Grace) Harms, and Aly (Kirby) Wagner; and great-grandchildren Jace, Maddie, Zoey, Payton, Kaiden, Finn, Tanner, Noah, Alena, Isla, Mary Eleanor, Esme, Charles, Jackson, Peyton, Nora, and one great-grandchild on the way. He was preceded in death by his parents; his infant twin siblings, Ronald Ray and Debra Kay Willis; and his daughter-in-law, Jacque Willis.
Don graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1957, where he ran track with a level of talent and determination that people still talk about. He held several school records that lasted for years before being broken. That same drive showed up in every part of his life. Don worked as an electrician for 65 years, beginning his apprenticeship with Shaffer Electric before spending 20 years with Bud Ruff. He later co-owned Laser Electric and, in 1993, proudly started Willis Electric. Even after retiring, Don never completely stepped away from the work he loved. He built his reputation on honesty, skill, and a dedication that earned him respect across the community.
Don was larger than life. His booming voice could be heard across every football field, baseball diamond, gym, and track in the area. If his kids or grandkids were involved in something, Don was in the crowd. He didn't just show up.
He supported, encouraged, celebrated, and cheered like it mattered every single time. To Don, it did. He had a gift for making people feel welcome. He listened with care, spoke with kindness, and treated everyone like their story mattered. Meeting Don wasn't something you forgot. He had that rare mix of warmth, humor, and genuine interest that made people feel valued and seen. Whether he was working, coaching, hunting, fishing, or simply talking with a neighbor, Don's presence always left its mark.
He was a member of the Chillicothe First United Methodist Church, the Chillicothe Sportsman Club, and an IVC Athletic and Band Booster. Don loved hunting and fishing, especially geese, pheasant, and duck, along with trap and skeet shooting. He coached baseball for many years and treasured the young athletes who came through his dugout. His family was everything to him, and he lived his life showing up for them in every possible way.
Don leaves behind a legacy that is deep and wide. So many people loved him. So many depended on him. And now, so many are unsure how to move forward without the steady, encouraging presence he offered so freely. His life was a blessing to everyone who knew him, and his absence leaves a space that won't be filled easily.
Services will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 11am at the Chillicothe First United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 14, from 4pm to 7pm at Weber-Hurd Funeral Home with a Rosary at 7pm. Additional visitation will be held one hour before the service on Saturday at the church. Burial will follow at the Chillicothe City Cemetery. Memorials in Don's name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the American Cancer Society, or the church