Willard Earl Ellis passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023 at the age of 78.

Willard was born on March 26, 1944 in Holyoke to Francis William Ellis and Ethel Caroline Claire (Struempler) Ellis.  He lived in and around Holyoke all his life.  He rode the bus to school in Holyoke and graduated from Holyoke High School in 1962.  He then attended Southern Colorado State College in Pueblo. 

Willard enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1963  and served for four years, including one tour of duty in Vietnam.  After discharge he worked for a few months in the Texas oil fields and the...