John Shelton Willis, 60, died unexpectedly at 8:58 p.m., Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at the scene of a motor vehicle accident in Jerseyville.
He was born on September 17, 1963 in Jacksonville, Illinois to Richard and Elaine (Albers) Willis.
John grew up in Jerseyville and graduated with the Class of 1981 from Jersey Community High School.
He was employed for fifteen years as a forklift operator with SuperValue in Saint Louis, Missouri.
John was a man of various interests. He enjoyed deer hunting, horseback riding and was always up for a game of pool.
He was no stranger in the kitchen, either! He enjoyed cooking, baking, grilling and delighted in sharing his creations with his family and friends.
Those whose hearts are broken and empty by his leaving are his son, Ryan Willis of Jerseyville; his mother, Elaine Schofield (Jack Fuller) of Jerseyville; father, Richard (Mary) Willis of Glasgow, Illinois; brothers, Rick (Crissy) Willis of Bluffs, Illinois, Dan Schofield (Tammy Smith) of Jerseyville, Mike Schofield of Alton; sisters, Shannan Robinson of Winchester, Mary (Greg) Haney of Brighton, Kendra (Robyn) Gourley of Winchester and Janeen Brogdon of Mechanicsburg, Illinois; four grandchildren; his grandmother, Daisy McCalister of Winchester; along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.
He was preceded in death by his step-father, Frank Schofield; maternal grandparents, John and DeeDee Albers and paternal grandparents, Shelton and Lucille Willis.
Memorial Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until time of Memorial Service at 12 p.m., Thursday, January 25, 2024 at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Pastor Brent Meyer will officiate.
Memorials may be given to Riverbend Humane Society, in care of the funeral home.
Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com.
John’s hand shake and smile will be greatly missed, by all of us who were blessed by his presence.
