Claude Willis

CAIRO, Ill. -- Claude Eugene Willis, 85, of Miller City, Ill., died Sunday, Feb. 2, 2003, at The Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Sept. 19, 1917, in Cache, Ill., son of Frank and Lydia Kerstein Willis.

Willis was a retired farmer. He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army and a member of the American Legion and Pulaski-Alexander County Farm Bureau.

Survivors include his wife, Gerda "Ann" Willis; two daughters, Dorothy Sullivan of Cape Girardeau, Patty Ralph of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; and a son, Steve Willis of Goose Creek, S.C.

Also surviving are two stepdaughters, Monika Olson of East Moline, Ill., Susan Vaughn of Olive Branch, Ill.; five stepsons, Alvin Ashworth of Olive Branch, Calvin Ashworth of Cape Girardeau, Mike Ashworth of Tamms, Ill., Donald Ashworth of Wyatt, Mo., the Rev. Tony Ashworth of Dixon, Mo.; a brother, Chesley Willis of Olive Branch; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; 13 stepgrandchildren; and eight great-stepgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a brother.

Friends may call after 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at Barkett Funeral Home in Cairo.

The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Verlee Eaker officiating. Burial will be in Mound City National Cemetery.