MILFORD - Willis (Bill) Franklin Van Vorst passed peacefully at home on Thursday, March 3rd, 2016. He was the third child of Cornelius Wm. and Cora Swain Van Vorst born to them on March 23, 1928. Bill proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II and the Korean War. He worked several jobs after his stints in the U.S, Navy until he was hired at Delaware Electric Coop (REA) as a lineman. Twenty-five years ago he retired from the DEC, after 42 years of service as their purchasing agent. Bill lived a remarkable life filled with memories of his very large family. He was a very creative man often inventing original new ways to make his life easier. He owned numerous cars in his lifetime - his favorite was his 1962 Ford Galaxy. It complemented his boat - wooden white Chris Craft with a red stripe that provided great entertainment on every Sunday throughout the summer. He taught every one of his children and numerous other family members how to water ski. On Sundays throughout the winter he shared breakfast and watched car racing with his brothers. He was a life-time member of the Milford Elks Post 2401 and the V.F.W. 6483. His greatest accomplishment was his 33 year marriage and the births of his daughters and their children. He was preceded in death by his wife, Harriet Warren Van Vorst, his parents, his sister, Doris Rust, four brothers: Corny (Jr.) Phillip (Burt), Nelson (Peanut) and Leroy. Also his son-in law, Otto Retzlaff and his first great-granddaughter, Kirsten Ashley Neibert preceded him in death. He is survived by his adored three daughters: Diane Retzlaff, JoAnn Carter(Kim) and Linda Fry (Bob); one sister, Norma Lee Warner (Alvin), three brothers, Robert (Gladys), Donald (Tisha), and James (Myra), and sister-in laws: Marian, June, and Anna Mae Van Vorst; one brother in law Harvey Rust, and his close companion of 20 years, Chris Lundy. He was blessed with fourteen grandchildren, Jenna Neibert (Chris), Erik Retzlaff, Kate Fitzgerald (Brax), K.C. Carter (Brook), Kurt Retzlaff (Marianna), Julie Eisenbrey (Justin), J.T. Fitzgerald (Kim), Lindsay Fitzgerald (Ricky Hughes), Nancy Price (Wayne, Lorraine Fry (Eric Mihalik), Nick Fitzgerald (Leeanne), Alana Retzlaff, Barbara Fry (Evan Romeo). He adored his eighteen great-grandchildren: Allyson and Cole Neibert, Cailyn, Rileigh, and Bodie Carter, Olivia and Carter Eisenbrey, Maurizio and Alessia Retzlaff, Steven Dunn and McKenna, John Townsend Fitzgerald, V, Kylei, Addison, and Jordan Price, Travis and Hannah Fitzgerald, and his precious great-great-granddaughter Delilah Dunn. Friends and family may attend a viewing from 11:00 – Noon on Tuesday, March 8th, 2016 in the chapel of Berry Short Funeral Home, 119 NW Front Street, Milford, DE 19963. Funeral services will begin at Noon. Interment will be at Milford Community Cemetery, Milford, DE. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to: Compassionate Care Hospice 20165 Office Circle Suite 2, Georgetown DE 19947 or Visiting Angels, 28350 Lewes/Georgetown Hwy, Milton DE 19968.