Willard was born November 3, 1924 in Salem Township, Oak Harbor to Frederick C. and Matilda M. (Floriana) Below. He married Ethel L. Laux October 28, 1944 at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, in Tiffin and she passed away on February 28, 2001.
Survivors include a son, Timothy D. Below of Tiffin; a daughter, Pamela S. (Michael D.) Perkins of Tiffin; three grandchildren: Jason M. Perkins, Ethan A. Below and Nicole L. Perkins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, a brother, Herman E. Below; and an infant sister, Luella M. Below.
Willard served with U.S. 5th Air Force from March 20, 1943 to March 18, 1946 during WWII as a Staff Sergeant, on Luzon Island, Manila, Philippines, one year in the Philippines and two years in the states. He was awarded decorations and citations, American Theater; Asiatic-Pacific WWII Bronze Star; Philippine Libration WWII Bronze Star; Good Conduct Medal; Meritorious Unit Award; and WWII Victory Medal. He later retired as a truck driver.
Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, October 19, 2014 at the Traunero Funeral Home and Crematory, 214 S. Monroe Street, Tiffin, Ohio, 44883, 419-447-3113.
Funeral will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 20, 2014 at the funeral home with Rev. Cal Cook, officiating. Burial will follow at the Greenlawn Cemetery, Tiffin with Military Rites preformed by the Seneca County United Veterans Council.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Stein Hospice.