William F. "Bill" (Arnett) Willis, 73, of Loda passed away 2:43 p.m. Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Sunday, December 16 at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E Pells, Paxton. Burial will be in Ash Grove Cemetery, rural Onarga at a later date.

Bill was born July 30, 1945 in Kokomo, Indiana the son of William Francis and Lois Smith Arnett, Jr. He married Mary Lou Sturm June 14, 1980 at St. John's Lutheran Church, Ash Grove. She preceded him in death November 3, 2009.

He is survived by five children, Karl (Shannon) Willis of Cicero, IN, Scott (Stacey) Willis of Westfield, IN, Kelly (Cy) Rice of Avon, IN, Walker (Joanna) Willis of Gibson City, Walt (Melissa) Willis of Sherrard, IL; nine grandchildren, Emily Willis, Aubrey Willis, Sophia Willis, Brenna Willis, Graden Willis, Zoe Rice, Mia Rice, Taylor Willis, Lucy Willis; three sisters, Sue Zimpleman of Kokomo, Sandy (Nick) Comerford of Kokomo, Joellyn (Greg) Willis-Simpson of Colleyville, TX; one brother, Richard Willis of Kokomo; three brothers-in-law, David (Phyllis) Sturm of Hoopeston, Dennis (Theresa) Sturm of Paxton, Robert (Teresa) Sturm of Paxton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lois and Charles Richard Willis; biological father, William Francis Arnett, Jr., wife, Mary Lou Willis; and sister, Linda Arnett.

Bill spent his childhood in Kokomo and graduated from Northwestern High School in 1963. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps 1964-1968 obtaining the rank of Sergeant. In 1968 he moved to Loda and began his career as an Illinois State Police Trooper, retiring as Captain in 1993.

He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Ash Grove, Paxton American Legion Prairie Post 150 and the Illinois Fraternal Order of the Police. Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing, but most of all spending time with his family especially his grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church, Ash Grove. Condolences may be offered at www.baierfuneralservices.com.