John Edgar Willard
May 19, 1947 — September 21, 2025
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Service Details
John Edgar Willard, 78, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Kavanagh House in Des Moines.
John was born May 19, 1947, in Chillicothe, Missouri to Delbert Roland Willard and Helen Catherine (Catron) Willard. He married Mary Dale (Watts) Willard on October 5, 1990. John was Division Sales Manager/Country Clipper Division for Shivvers Manufacturing in Corydon, Iowa.
His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his pride and joy. He enjoyed the outdoors and loved spending time fishing, hunting, and playing golf. He was an auctioneer and loved riding Harley Davidsons. John was a member of Bloomfield United Methodist Church where he sang with the Bloomfield Boys Quartet. He also rode with the Iowa Patriot Guard Riders.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Willard; daughters, Julie McKeever, Laura VerHuel, and Wendy Cook (Trev); grandchildren, Cody (Kelsey) VerHuel, Joseph McKeever, Nick (Laura) VerHuel, Cooper (Ashley) Cook, Justine (Zack) Baker, and Noah Cook; great-grandchildren, Katie, Lincoln, Matthew, Cassady, Truitt, Maverick, Vivienne, and Wesley; as well as many other loving extended family and friends.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Delbert Willard, Sr. and Helen Willard; and his brother, Delbert Roland Willard, Jr.
Memorial services will be held at Bloomfield United Methodist Church, 5930 Indianola Road, Des Moines at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 26, 2025, with visitation one hour prior to the funeral service. Burial will follow at Pine Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to Bloomfield United Methodist Church in loving memory of John.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Steve and Sandy Harvey
09/26/2025
Mary and family were so sorry to hear that John has passed. he was a wonderful neighbor always with a smile on his face always saying hi I enjoyed visiting with him when he’d come down to see us for a minute to talk to John or or just when we drive by he’d be in the yard and wave and and when all was going on for us, he was always there asking how Steve was. He is going to be greatly missed, but he is in no longer pain and he is with our Lord. God bless you. He will be greatly missed .Rest in peace my friend.
Jim & Pam Nirquest
09/25/2025
Mary & family:
We have very fond memories of John as our rep. with Shivvers and later with the Country Clipper division. We always enjoyed his stops and he was a very helpful when things occured out in the field. We will miss his friendship through FB.
Chad and Camri Harrington
09/25/2025
We are sorry to hear of John’s passing. We dealt with John for years when he was with Country Clipper, actually since we started as a dealer in the late 1990’s. He always drove the Shivvers Suburban, and if you were riding with him, you better be buckled up because he had always had the pedal to the metal. No matter if you were on pavement or gravel! Super nice guy and always willing to help you with anything. Thinking of your whole family.
Mark Blizek
09/25/2025
John was always the first one to offer help when times were tough. He was a good man. Rest in peace my friend.
Chuck kline
09/24/2025
John it was an absolute pleasure getting to know you over the last few years. You will be missed buddy.
John Van Cleave
09/23/2025
It has been an honor and privilege to help your family. John will be very sorely missed.
John, I love you buddy. Rest easy. We will take care of it from here.