Obituary of Marvin E. Willard

Marvin E. Willard died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on January 4, 2025. Marvin was born October 28, 1942, and raised in Cuero, Texas. He attended the University of Texas at Austin where he earned a Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering and, more importantly to him, met the love of his life Jan (Ludwigsen) Willard. Marvin spent almost fifty years at Pratt & Whitney, earning a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Connecticut, and traveling all over the country and the world.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ella (Sager) and Berner Bade, his sister Bernie Mae and her husband Gus Mason, and recently his son-in-law Keelan Bailey (also pictured). He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-seven years Jan L. Willard, his daughters Misty J. Willard and Jade K. Willard, and his siblings Janice (and Bud) Dromgoole, Sheryl Ann (and Dan) Bierstedt, and Milton (and Vi) Bade. Marvin’s family and friends all over the world already miss his warmhearted smile, including his family in Texas who fondly called him “Buster.”

Marvin knew his way around more cities than most people have ever flown over, enjoyed playing softball, coaching his daughters’ soccer teams, hosting Super Bowl and St. Patrick’s Day parties, sailing Long Island Sound, grilling on the deck, and riding his bicycle - especially on the beautiful bike paths of Sanibel Island, Florida. The Willard family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Maria Mendez, Oneicka Bromfield, Paisley Dowdy, and the other caregivers and hospice nurses that assisted Marvin and his family during the end of his wonderful journey. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Good Karma Pet Rescue of South Florida (goodkarmapetrescue.org) or World Central Kitchen (wck.org). A celebration of life will be held at a later date. For online condolences, please visit www.mulryanfh.com.