Obituaries

Ephraim A. Willis, age 81, a resident of Montgomery, IL, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2019 at Seasons Hospice Home in Naperville, IL. he was born on November 26, 1938 in Chenoa, KY.

Ephraim is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Irene (nee Ledford) Willis; his loving daughter, Gloria (Nick) Trajkovich; his cherished grandson, Michael (fiance Lauren Pusateri) Trajkovich and granddaughter, Morgan (fiance Brian Fahey) Trajkovich; his special niece, Debbie Gray; extended family members, Sandy, Rachel and Scott Gerami; his half-sister, Glendora Ward Willis and half-brothers, Verlin and Ernest Ward; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his infant son, Dwayne Willis; his parents, Charity and General Willis; his maternal mother, Elsie Ward; and six half-brothers and one half-sister.

Ephraim proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy from 1956 until 1960. He was an atomic bomb veteran aboard the U.S.S. Frank E. Evans DD 754. After the military, he met and married his wife, Irene, and moved to Chicago in 1960. Ephraim was proud to have graduated from the American Institute of Engineering and Technology in 1968. He was a loyal employee of Make-A-Toy/Fun Inc. for 45 years. After his retirement, Ephraim enjoyed his 1974 Corvette Stingray ("Pops Toy"), sitting in his swing on his deck, and listening to music. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to www.gofundme.com/f/ephraim-willis-hospital-bills

Visitation will be Wednesday, December 4, 3:00 until 7:00 PM at the Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, December 5, 10:00 AM at the funeral home. Interment with military honors be at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL.

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