Edward Mumford Willis
Edward Mumford Willis went to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 22, 2022, in his home surrounded by family.
Ed was born June 1, 1936, in Wyoming, Del. to the late Howard and Anne (Mumford) Willis and raised by his loving stepmother Thelma (Bostic) Willis.
He retired from the Delaware Nation Guard as a reservist and federal technician on October 31, 1988, after 35 1/2 years of patriotic service to his country, state, and community. His last assignment was as the Maintenance Officer for the 736th S&S Bn, retiring as a CW4. Before joining the National Guard, he worked for Cliff's Auto Body Shop. His father CW4 (Ret) Howard Willis, his son Maj (DE) Ret Gary H. Willis Sr. and his daughter PV1 Katherine also served in the Delaware National Guard. Ed swore both Gary and Kay into the Guard.
Ed is survived by his wife of 63 years, Nancy J. (Whittington) Willis; sister, Nancy L. (Willis) Hughes; three children, Gary H. Willis, Sr. (Pam) of Dover, Katherine M. McCall (Earl) of Felton and Barbara A. Kruppa (Teddy) of Magnolia; nine grandchildren, four great grandchildren and a 5th one on the way; and an extra son and close family friend, John M. Dill (Karen) of Millsboro.
In civilian life, Ed was a life member of the Dover Elks Lodge #1903 and a member for 55 years. He served as Exalted Ruler, State President of MD-DE-DC Association and held the national position of Grand Lodge Inner Guard. He also held many other appointments and positions in the organization.
After retiring from the Delaware National Guard, he remained active in the National Guard Association of the United States and was a life member since 1970, a 15-year member of the Warrant Officer Association of the United States and a life member of the Delaware National Guard Retired Officer's Association. In 2012 he was the first inductee into the Delaware National Guard Warrant Officer's Hall of Fame.
In his spare time, he liked to travel, was involved in the Boy Scouts of America and an avid fisher both fresh and salt. He would take yearly trips to the Outer Banks with friends to surf fish. He also enjoyed bowling, camping and horseshoes.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m., Tuesday, February 1, 2022 at Torbert Funeral Chapel South, 1145 E. Lebanon Road (RT.10), Dover. Friends may call one hour prior. Interment will be in Sharon Hills Memorial Park. For those unable to attend the funeral service there will be a livestream on www.torbertfuneral.com, it can be found under the "Upcoming Livestreams" tab and viewed by clicking on his name.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to Compassionate Care, 460 William St., Suite 101, Milford, DE 19963.
Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com