Willard Frank McCombs, 86 years old, of Washington and formerly of Oak Run in Dahinda, died Sunday, February 6, 2022 surrounded by family and his loving wife of 49 years.

Willard was born in Browning, IL, the son of William and Orpha McCombs.  Near the end of the Korean War, Willard enlisted in the United States Army.  He served in England, France and Germany.  Willard was honorably discharged from the army and moved back to Illinois and married Geralyn Peters.

Survivors include his wife, Geralyn; daughters, Terri (Rob) Davis and Debbie (Mitch) Lishman, both of Lacon; son, Lonne McCombs of Creve Coeur; four grandchildren, Jeremy (Sam) Davis, Ashleigh (Kimberly) Erickson, Autumn (Michael) Messing and Kaylee (Brian) Jones; three great-grandchildren, Connor, Amelia and Owen; one sister, Carol Jones of Channahon; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Norma McCombs of Lacon, Debbie (Terry) Wilson, of Davenport, IA, Janice Heinz, of Bonita Springs, FL, and David (Ruby) Peters of Creve Coeur.  Willard was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters; Mary, Donna and Evelyn; his brother Bill; and one great-granddaughter, Kinley. May they all rest in peace.

Willard retired as Superintendent of Paving with Peoria Blacktop. Always an outdoorsman, Willard enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating and landscaping.  From creating beautiful gardens to chopping wood, Willard loved being outside.  He enjoyed living in their octagon house on the lake, appropriately named Point of View.  He loved it when the family came to visit the lake, where he also served as boat captain.  Everyone enjoyed tubing, picnics and fishing together as a family.  He could always be found at his grandchildren's sporting events and activities cheering them on.  Willard was always willing to help his family with projects, from painting to carpentry and anything else that needed to be done.  He was a quiet, dignified presence who will be forever missed and treasured by his family.

Willard's funeral service will be at 3pm Friday, February 11, 2022 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington with Chaplain Trevor Bartolomucci officiating.  Cremation rites will be accorded following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the National Down Syndrome Society.