Leonard Willis of Eldorado

Leonard Willis, 78, of Eldorado, passed away at 2:15 p.m. Tuesday, May 1, 2018, surrounded by his family at the Linda White Hospice Center in Evansville, Indiana.

Leonard was born on July 5, 1939 in Cave-In-Rock, to the late Austin and Essie Willis. He graduated from Eldorado High School. He was on the track team, basketball team and played on the undefeated 1957 football team.

Leonard was owner and operator of Willis Stables for 30 years, where he trained and showed Tennessee Walking horses. Leonard received trainer awards, many blue ribbons, and won first place numerous times at the Illinois State Fair. He was also a truck driver for Tison and Hall when he retired in 2015.

Leonard was a dedicated and loving family man. He married his high school sweetheart, Wanda Meyers, and he was a faithful husband to her for almost 60 years. He was a loving father to his daughter, Lisa (Bobby) Moore; granddaughter, Jennifer Tate; and grandsons, Justin Tate and Clint Moore.

Leonard is also survived by three brothers, Frank (Judy) Willis, Gutherie (Gayla) Willis and Roger (Barbara) Willis along with two sisters, Maxine Maddox and Janice (Marvin) Rash.

He was preceded in death by five brothers, James, Neal, Virgil, Winford and Charles Willis; and three sisters, Ava Birch, Mona Lou Willis and Freda Mason.

Leonard attended the Lighthouse Church in Royalton. He was a devout Christian who had a deep love for the Lord and loved to share the gospel with those he came in contact with. He always made time for others whether helping, encouraging or spending time watching his Cardinals with them. He loved being with people. His contagious laugh and sense of humor will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

Funeral services for Leonard will be held on at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 5, 2018 at the Watson Funeral Home in Eldorado, with the Revs. David Betts and Joe Mills officiating. Burial will be in Wolf Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 4, 2018 at the funeral home.

Memorials in his memory may be made to the Eldorado Town and Country Committee and envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at watsonfuneralhome.net.