Charles L. “Chuck” Willard, 85, of Shelbyville passed away Friday, May 17, 2019 at Franciscan St. Francis Health in Indianapolis.
He was born December 22, 1933, in Plainfield, New Jersey, the son of Glen A. and Edna P. (Frey) Willard. On October 18, 1952 in Amarillo, Texas, he married his wife of 66 years, Caroline Sue Laird, and she survives.
In addition to Caroline, Chuck is survived by son, Ed Willard and wife, Cynthia, of Shelbyville; daughters, Connie S. Beyers and husband, Bob, and Cindy A. Kuhn and husband, David, all of Shelbyville; grandchildren, Missy Buckler, Jessica Griggs and husband, Shane, Luke Willard, Leslie Brown and husband, Jake, Whitney Wampner and husband, Dustin, Ashley Aldridge and husband, Brady, and Matthew Kuhn and wife, Jenna; 11 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Erma Dell Fout and Shirley McCarty; brother, George Repscher; and grandson, Eddie Bennett.
Chuck was a member of and the “candy man” at Mount Pisgah Baptist Church.
He was a veteran of the US Air Force, serving from 1952 to 1956. Chuck began his career as an aircraft mechanic in the Air Force Reserve working on F86 Jets and the US Air Force working on P51 Mustangs. He retired from the Military Department of Indiana in 1988, with 35 years of service, where he worked on helicopters.
He also taught small engine repair at Shelbyville High Vocational School.
He enjoyed fishing and watching old westerns.
Chuck loved his children and grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at the funeral home, with the Rev. Dr. Robb Barlow officiating.
Interment will be at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery in Shelby County.
Memorial contributions may be made to donor’s choice of charity.
Online condolences may be shared with Chuck’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
