Larry R. Willis

Larry R. Willis, 76, of Havana, passed away at 9:38 a.m. on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at his home. He was born on June 15, 1949 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri to Wayne and Pauline (Jones) Willis. He married Phyllis Silberberg on January 19, 1973 in Belleville, Illinois.

Larry is survived by his wife, Phyllis Wills of Havana; children, Noah (Ashley) Willis of Rushville and Rachel (Ryan) Bieneman of Geneseo, Illinois; and grandchildren, Ava, Maya, and Eliza Beineman and Norah and Naomi Willis. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Roberta.
Larry served in the U.S. Air Force from 1967 to 1971 and later became one of the first employees at the Jake Wolf Memorial Fish Hatchery, where he worked until retiring in 2010. He loved spending time outdoors—whether he was fishing, gardening, or just watching the wildlife around him. Larry was also an avid bird watcher and enjoyed doing the monthly bird count at Emiquon Nature Preserve. Larry enjoyed watching his granddaughters participate in their sporting events, musical performances, and theater productions. He also enjoyed watching St Louis Cardinal baseball and was a lifelong fan.
Cremation rites have been accorded and no services are planned at this time.
Memorial donations may be made in Larry’s name to the Havana Food Pantry. Online condolences can be left for his family at www.hurleyfh.com.
Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.