GREENFIELD
Dwight E. Willard, age 80, of Greenfield, passed away Sunday, June 16, 2024. He was born in Greenfield, Indiana on May 16, 1944 to Jess K. and Virginia R. (Spegal) Willard. Dwight graduated from Greenfield High School in 1963.
Dwight worked for Chrysler as an assembler at both the Indianapolis and New Castle plants for 36 years before retiring in 2001. He was a member of the UAW and received a 35-year award with Chrysler to symbolize his long-standing dedication to the company. He was a 50-year Gold Award recipient from the Masons Hancock Lodge #101. Dwight also participated in Scottish Rite and Murat Shrine. When he was able, he enjoyed attending Trinity Park Church. Dwight loved his family, especially his grandkids. On any given day he could be found at a field, court, or ice arena cheering on his grandkids as their #1 fan. He also enjoyed cheering for I.U., the Colts and the Pacers. He enjoyed spending time with friends at McDonalds and was one of the founding members of the “College of Knowledge.” He also loved going to the Indy 500. He attended 60 consecutive races and could proudly recall the winner from each year. Dwight was known for his kindness and loving heart and will be deeply missed by those who were lucky enough to know him.
He is survived by his daughters, Tina (Bob) Youkilis of Carmel, Indiana and Lynda (Tim) Dougherty of Greenfield, Indiana; brother, David K. (Terri) Willard of Greenfield, Indiana; sister-in-law, Beth Willard of Greenfield Indiana; grandchildren, Amberlee, Drew (Kendall), A.J. Dougherty, Ben, Adam, and Joseph Youkilis; nieces and nephews, Kris (Ken) Ely, Bruce (Jennie) Willard, Ellen (Butch) Miller, Aaron Willard, Keith (Lindsay) Willard, Emily (David) Sims; several great nieces and nephews; and numerous cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jess K. and Virginia R. (Spegal) Willard; brother, Donald K. “Don” Willard; sister, Linda V. Willard; and great nephew, Derek Conley.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Erlewein Mortuary &Crematory, 1484 W. US Hwy. 40, Greenfield, IN 46140. A funeral service will follow the visitation at the mortuary at 2:00 p.m. Reverend Mike Manning will be officiating. Burial will follow at Park Cemetery in Greenfield, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made by mail to the Don Willard Legend Scholarship through the Henry County Community Foundation at P.O. Box 6006, New Castle, IN 47362 or envelopes will be available at the mortuary. Friends may share a memory or condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com.
