Richard Francis "Dick" Willis

RICHARD FRANCIS “DICK” WILLIS SR., age 92, of Kettering, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2025, at Kauhale of Centerville. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on May 27, 1932, the son of Stephen and Doris Willis.

Dick was a graduate of Holy Name High School and the University of Dayton. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Dick spent his career in the family business, serving as the President of Wehner Roofing and Tinning Company. In his free time, Dick had many hobbies. He enjoyed a fondness for traveling, especially to the sandy beaches of Florida. With his beloved wife, Carol, they enjoyed taking leisure trips with his friends, “The Boat People”. He also enjoyed admiring art of all types. Dick volunteered with several organizations, including Kettering Rotary Club, where he served as its 38th President, Knights of Columbus, and the University of Dayton Golden Flyers. Dick was a faithful, founding member of the Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Kettering. 

Dick leaves behind his beloved wife of 72 years, Carol (Wehner) Willis; children, Rick (JoAnne Koza) Willis, Bob (Beth) Willis, Lori (Darryl) Meade and Linda (Mike) Good; grandchildren, Christopher (Ashley) Willis, Abbey Willis, Jack Meade, Alley Willis, Brandon Good, Nick Meade and Jacob Good; great-grandchildren, Madison and Connor Willis; nephews, Steven and Doug Van Campen, along with two nieces, Monica and Bonnie Van Campen.

In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Carolyn Meade, and a sister and brother-in-law, Nancy (Gordon) Van Campen.

Dick’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the loving care given to him at Kauhale of Centerville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Dick’s honor on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. in St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 4500 Ackerman Blvd., Kettering. Dick will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery with military honors. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Dick’s name to Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton. 

Arrangements have been entrusted into the caring hands of the WESTBROCK FUNERAL HOME- KETTERING.