H. Don Willms' Obituary
H. Don Willms, 94, of Brownstown, passed away June 05, 2024 at SBL Fayette County Hospital Long Term Care.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, June 08, 2024 at the First Christian Church of Brownstown. Interment will follow at Griffith Cemetery, Brownstown with Military Honors accorded by Brownstown V.F.W. Post #9770. A special procession and final drive by the family farm will be held on the way to the cemetery prior to the committal service. Visitation will be held prior to the funeral from 9:00-11:00 AM, Saturday, at the church. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to the First Christian Church of Brownstown – Building Fund. Online condolences can be expressed at www.hohltandfilefh.com.
Harry Donald Willms was born March 12, 1930, in the very farmhouse he grew up in in Otego Twp. Fayette County; son of Harry E. and Fannie (Oberlink) Willms. Don graduated from Brownstown High School Class of 1948. He proudly served in the US Navy from 1951-1954, prior to his overseas deployment he married Ellen Marie Koehler on August 22, 1951; together they shared over 70 years of marriage.
After separating from the Navy, Don came back home to work on the family farm. He then started his career with General Electric and IL Power in Decatur. He and Ellen moved back to Brownstown where he continued his career and helped on the Willms Dairy Farm along with his son, eventually retiring from IL Power in 1990.
Don was a faithful member of the First Christian Church of Brownstown; he loved his family, was reliable, devoted, spiritual and known as “Pops” to his beloved grandchildren.
Mr. Willms is survived by his wife, Ellen Willms of Brownstown; son, Duane (Laura) Willms of Brownstown; daughter, Trish (Wyatt) Sager of Beardstown; sisters, Mary Catherine “Toots” Ellicott of Morrison and Frances (Ron) Washburn of Bluff City; sister-in-law, Kay Willms of Vandalia; grandchildren, Shannon (Jeremy) Claycomb, Trevor (Megan) Willms, Tresnee (Eric) Adams, all of Brownstown and Nicole (Jason) Potts of Morton; granddaughter-in-law, Kacy Sager of Bloomington; great grandchildren, Taylor, Alivia, Macy, Brynlee, Dawson, Cade, Kyndal, Jori, Jessa, Caroline, Charlotte, Henry, Norah, and Keller.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Justin Sager; brothers, Gerald (Norma) Willms and Fred Willms Sr.; brother-in-law, Ben Ellicott.
What’s your fondest memory of H. Don?
What’s a lesson you learned from H. Don?
Share a story where H. Don's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with H. Don you’ll never forget.
How did H. Don make you smile?
