Frank Willis

Fairview – Frank Willis, age 81, of Fairview, IL passed away at Graham Hospital in Canton, IL on March 24, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.  He was born at home on March 10, 1935 in Table Grove to Frank Bogue Willis and Christine Clemens Willis. He married Mary Jo Suydam on July 17, 1971 at the Fairview Reformed Church.  She survives him. Other survivors are their son, Benjamin Levis Willis (Dr. Isa Alfonso) of New York City and grandson, Julian. Surviving also is Mariam Ruth Graff, daughter of Fairview,IL.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Reginald and Wilmer (Bud) Willis.
Frank graduated from V.I.T. schools in 1953.  He
graduated from Western Illinois University in Music in 1957.  He was drafted in 1957 and spent 19 months playing the clarinet in the 7th Army Band in Germany.  Upon his return he taught music at Spoon River Valley Schools, Canton High School, Onarga Schools, and Blue Island
Schools.  He came back to Spoon River Valley.
The family moved to Saudi Arabia in 1981, where
Frank taught orchestra and band in the Dhahran Academy Saudi Arabian International School.
They moved back in 1989 and he was the choir
director at Spoon River Valley Schools.  He was at Williamsfield Schools for eleven years.  After retiring, he substituted at Avon Schools.
He was a pianist and in the choir at the Fairview
Reformed Church, in which he was baptized and joined in 2009.  He was a member of the Western Illinois Orchestra, Knox/Galesburg Symphony, and the Monmouth Orchestra. He played in the Hal Loya quartet for years with his good friend, Charlie Knapp.
As requested, in lieu of services, Spoon River Valley senior scholarships bearing the name of Frank Willis will be created in care of the Fairview State Banking Co., 420 Carter St., Fairview, IL 61432.  Cremation rites have been accorded.  Oaks- Hines Funeral Home in Canton is in charge of arrangements.  To make online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com