Ernest E. Willis, age 89, of Clancy, died in the early hours of Sunday, September 5, 2010 at a care facility in Helena. Ernest was born in Miller City, Illinois, May 31, 1921 to Ernest Franklin and Alice P. (Hale) Willis. He lost his mother at a very young age and was raised by his father and later also by his stepmother Lula.
He married his high school sweetheart, Billie M. Penn, June 17, 1938. Their only son Gary Lee was born July 11, 1940. They were happily married 65 years when he lost his wife to cancer in 2003.
Ernest was drafted by the U.S. Army in June of 1944. He served in the United Sates Army, during WWII, Korea and Vietnam. He retired in March of 1971 with a rank of Lt. Colonel. During his military career, Ernie had served in Helena as an advisor to the Montana Army National Guard.
Following his retirement from Fort Gordon in Georgia, Ernie moved to Helena where he worked as the head of security for the Federal Reserve Bank.
In addition to his wife Ernie was preceded in death by his parents; son Gary L. Willis in 2010, and grandson Terry L. Willis in 2004.
He is survived by daughter-in-law Sharon W. Willis; grandson Mark E. (Denise) Willis; great granddaughter Brooklyn, all of Helena. Ernie is also survived by in-laws Elwood and Edoenna Turner; James and Alice Flowers of Kentucky and numerous nieces and nephews in Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee. He will be missed by all who knew him.
A graveside service with military honors will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 15th at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Ft. Harrison. Memorials in Ernie’s name are suggested to the Montana State Veterans Cemetery P.O. Box 5715 Helena, Montana 59604.
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Service Schedule
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Terale says
I know that I did not know you well but you were my grate grandfather. The only thing that keept me involved was my father Terry and when he was gone it was like I had lost the rest of you now it looks like I have lost at least two of you I hope by looking on I do not find more love always
TeraLe