Joseph D. Willis Sr.

Joseph Daniel Willis, Sr., age 65, of Chillicothe, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at his home, surrounded by his loved ones.

Joe was born on November 8, 1960 in Peoria, IL to Donald Joe and Phyllis Ann (Ricconi) Willis. A proud graduate of Illinois Valley Central High School, Class of 1978, Joe carried his love of IVC with him throughout his life. He faithfully supported the IVC Chain Gang and devoted decades to coaching youth athletics, leaving an impact that reached far beyond the field. Even today, former players still call him "Coach" – a testament to the influence he had on generations of young lives. In every role he took on, Joe lived guided by hard work, loyalty, and an unwavering commitment to the people and the community he loved most. Above all else, Joe was a family man. His greatest pride and joy were his children and grandchildren, and he showed that love not in words alone, but through constant presence. Whether he was cheering from the sidelines at countless sporting events, taking his grandchildren fishing, cruising around on golf cart rides, or simply spending time together, Joe made sure every child knew they were deeply loved. He was the kind of grandfather who never missed an opportunity to show up, and those moments – big and small – will live on forever in the hearts of his grandchildren.

Joe also carried a deep pride in his work. Alongside his mother, father and brother, he helped start Willis Electric in Chillicothe – a legacy built on trust, dedication and craftsmanship. Joe devoted 45 years to the electrical union 34 and eventually had the honor of working side by side with his son, Jacob. To Joe, this wasn't just a job; it was a family tradition and a reflection of who he was – a man who believed in building something meaningful through persistence and integrity.

Joe is survived by his wife, Kris, whom he shared 25 years; his children, Joseph (Sarah) Willis, Jr., Jacob (Holly) Willis, Jalynn (Nathan) Rohlf, Dru (Beth) Elwell, and Aaron Elwell; his grandchildren, Zoey, Payton, Kaiden, Finn, Tanner, Jace and Maddie. He is also survived by his mother, Phyllis Willis; his siblings, Shari Schmit, D.J. Willis and LouAnn Harms; along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Willis.

Services will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 11am at the First Untied Methodist Church of Chillicothe. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 from 5pm to 7pm at Weber-Hurd Funeral Home in Chillicothe as well as on Wednesday one hour prior to the service at church. Burial will follow at Chillicothe City Cemetery. Memorials in Joe's name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.