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Defiance, Ohio

Ernie Willis Obituary

DEFIANCE - Ernie Willis, age 81 of Defiance, passed away on Friday, January 23, 2026 at Majestic Care of Bryan, Ohio.

He was born in Coeburn, Virginia on May 31, 1944, to the late George and Della (Helton) Willis, and was a 1965 graduate of Coeburn High School. He is a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, serving from 1965 to 1967. Ernie was a member of VFW #3360 in Defiance. He worked at Dinner Bell Foods for many years and then at Sauders until his retirement in 2006. He loved his garden and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and singing Bluegrass.

Ernie is survived by his loving wife, Ginger Willis of Defiance, his sons, Tony Willis, Randy Willis, and Eric (Jessica) Willis, all of Defiance, his grandchildren, Dregon and Dallas Willis, and his brother, Bill Willis.

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant son, Mark Willis, and eight brothers and sisters.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 30 at Riverside Cemetery, with military honors conducted by VFW #3360.

Memorials are suggested to Alzheimer's Association. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Crescent-News on Jan. 27, 2026.

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Memorial Events
for Ernie Willis

Jan

29

Visitation

2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Schaffer Funeral Home

529 Jefferson Ave, Defiance, OH 43512

Jan

30

Service

11:00 a.m.

Riverside Cemetery

Defiance, OH 43512

Funeral services provided by:

Schaffer Funeral Home

529 Jefferson Ave, Defiance, OH 43512

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