Bobby "Bob" James Willard

Bobby "Bob" James Willard, 81 of Greenville, Missouri passed away Sunday, March 23, 2025 at Mercy South Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. He was born in Klamath Falls, Oregon on March 11, 1944 to Lee "Roy" & Hasseltine (Collins) Willard but grew up in Taskee, Missouri.

He married the love of his life, Kathylene Faraone-Groves and would have celebrated 60 years of marriage in November. He retired from the Mehlville School District in St. Louis, Missouri as a groundskeeper and returned to his home in Greenville, Missouri where he spent the remainder of his life.

Bob loved his large family, country music, and driving country roads in his side by side with his favorite dog, Ginger Sue. He loved driving his John Deere tractor mowing grass for the Mehlville School District, which consisted of 16 schools. He loved to do handyman work, tinkering, building things with his hands and most recently his flying birds and bees. He cherished his retirement where he spent many hours with his two brothers and one sister where they all lived in Smoot Valley together. The ones who didn't live there he would call all the time to catch up with them. He knew no strangers and talked to everyone. Bob will be greatly missed by his large family and friends for his laughter, jokes and funny stories.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his daughter, Cheryl Lynn Willard, sister, Shirley Wood, and brother Larry Willard.

Bob is survived by his wife, Kathylene, daughter, Pam Willard, son David and wife Vicki (Ary) Willard, granddaughter, Samantha Willard, brothers; Jerry Willard, Bill Willard, Harold and wife Priscillia (Burtchett) Willard, sisters; Bonnie (Willard) and husband Charles Barnes and Peggy Willard and many many nieces and nephews.

Visitation was held at 5:00 pm, Friday, March 28, 2025, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Greenville Chapel. Funeral was held at 10:00 am, Saturday, March 29, 2025, also at Greenville Chapel. Pastor Helen Edwards ministered to family and daughter Pam provided stories and a heartfelt eulogy. David Willard, Michael Willard, Steve Wood, Tim Groves, Ricky Faraone and Rick Wood served as pallbearrers. Interment will follow at Cool Springs Cemetery near Greenville, MO. Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com

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