Willard De Witt Van Order

On December 21st, 2025, Willard DeWitt Van Order, of Okahumpka, FL entered into his heavenly reward.

Willard was born July 29, 1922 in Marsh Creek, PA to his parents, Joseph and Lena Van Order. As a young man, he would bravely serve his country by joining the United States Army during World War 2. He was a member of the 1303rd Engineers and served under General George S Patton in both the European and Pacific theaters from 1942-1945. As one of Patton's Eager Beavers, he helped reconstruct and build bridges throughout Europe to keep the war efforts moving. During this time, Willard received 5 Bronze Stars for major battles, including Battle of the Bulge and D-Day. Once stateside, he later re-enlisted in the Nation Guard from 1949-1951.

Upon returning home, he married the love of his life, Bethel in 1946 and they spent 50 years together until her passing in 1996. Together they had 5 children and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Willard was an artist at heart, known for his creativity, painting, woodworking, sense of humor, guitar playing and adventurous tales. Over the years, he entertained everyone with his war stories and tales of travels abroad.

Willard is survived by:

Daughter, Jeanette Vaughn (James Gerald Vaughn)

Son, Claude Van Order (Debbie Van Order)

Daughter-in-Law, Fannie Van Order

Son-in-Law, John Schaller

14 Grandchildren

28 Great-Grandchildren

18 Great-Great Grandchildren

He was preceded in death by:

Father, Joseph Van Order

Mother, Lena Livermore Van Order

Sister, Margaret McEwen

Sister, Neva Bartlett

Wife, Bethel Foulk Van Order

Son, Paul Elmer Van Order

Son, Daniel Van Order

Daughter, Amy Schaller

Grandson, Justin Kilgore

Great-Grandson, Joshua Banner