Willard Paul Badour Jr.

WILLARD PAUL BADOUR JR Willard Paul Badour Jr., of Davison, MI, age 91, passed away Thursday, December 18, 2025, peacefully at his residence. A Mass of Christian Burial, with Military Honors, will be celebrated at 1 PM on Monday, December 29, 2025, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 404 North Dayton Street, Davison, MI 48423; Rev. Fr. Andrew A. Czajkowski, celebrant. Private interment in St. John Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive visitors 12-1 PM Monday, December 29, 2025 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Willard lived a life defined by devotionto his family, his community, and the values of service, teamwork, and integrity. He was born in Au Gres, MI, on June 24, 1934, son of the late Willard and Ione (Chase) Badour, Sr. A proud graduate of Standish High School, Class of 1953, Willard was a gifted and dedicated student-athlete. He earned varsity letters in basketball, football, and tennis, along with three additional letters for his commitment to the school band. His lasting impact on Standish athletics was recognized in 2019, when he was inducted into the Standish-Sterling Sports Hall of Famean honor that reflected both his talent and his character. Following high school, Willard continued his education at Central Michigan University before answering the call to serve his country. From 1954 to 1957, he proudly served on active duty in the United States Air Force, where he trained as a flight surgeon assistant, exemplifying his lifelong willingness to serve others. On August 20, 1960, Willard married the love of his life, Dorothy Dubiel, at St. Florian Catholic Church in Standish, MI. Their marriage was a true partnership built on love, faith, and devotion, lasting 60 years until Dorothy's passing on September 22, 2020. Together, they created a home filled with care, laughter, and enduring support. Willard began his civilian career in construction, helping to build interstate bridgeswork that symbolized his role as someone who built things meant to last. He later joined the Buick Motor Division, where he worked as a foreman for 32 years. Known for his strong work ethic and leadership, he retired in 2001. Even in retirement, Willard remained active, working part-time as a lot driver at Flint Auto Auction, where he especially valued the camaraderie and friendships of his coworkers. After settling in Davison, MI, Willard poured his heart into his family and community. He spent many years coaching youth baseball, football, and wrestling, shaping not only young athletes but young people. One of his proudest accomplishments was helping to found the Davison Youth Football League, leaving a lasting legacy of opportunity and mentorship. A lifelong sports fan, he faithfully supported local teams and cheered passionately for his beloved Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions. Beyond the sidelines, Willard found peace and joy in the outdoors. An avid outdoorsman, his happiest moments were spent camping, boating, fishing, and huntingespecially when shared with his family. Those moments reflected who he was at his core: present, patient, and deeply appreciative of time spent together. Willard was also a dedicated member of his community through his involvement with the Davison American Legion Post #0267 and the Davison Knights of Columbus Bishop Albers Council 4090. His quiet service, steady presence, and genuine kindness left a lasting impression on all who knew him. Willard's life was one of purpose, love, and unwavering commitment to others. He will be remembered not only for what he did, but for who he wasa devoted husband, a mentor, a patriot, and a man whose legacy lives on in the family and community he loved so deeply. Willard is survived by his 4 loving children, Paul (Shelley) Badour, Brenda Badour, Jodi (John) Ely and Will (Kathy) Badour; 10 grandchildren, Josh (Stephanie) Badour, Alec (Tara) Badour, Scott (Brooke) Badour, Paul Cairns, Jeff (Alison) Cairns, Lauren Badour, Alyssa Badour, Meagan (Jonathan) Bryant, Paul Ryan Badour and Amber Burton; 7 great-grandchildren, Carter, Charleigh, Blake, Beck, Micah, Leo and Calvin; brother, Robert (Leona) Badour; in-laws, Richard Dubiel, Bernadette (John) Vietengruber, John (Julie) Dubiel, Shirley Rosebrugh and Pauline (Larry) Madajski; many loved nieces, nephews, other loving family members and good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Ione Badour; wife, Dorothy T. Badour; infant daughter, Sherrie Lynn Badour; 8 siblings, Herb (Mae) Chase, Evelyn (Walter) Schlagel, Cleo (Leonard) Gulvas, Maxine (Wilbur) Crouterfield, Wilma (Eugene) Bukowski, Dorothea (Elmer) Trombley, Jurell (Robert) Ziembo and Carol (Joe) Trombley; in-laws, Edward Dubiel, Virginia (Wallace) Ringlein, Richard Rosebrugh, Tom (Joan) Dubiel, Frank (JoAnn) Dubiel and Corrine Dubiel. Please share your thoughts with the family at www.allenfuneralhomeinc.com