Donald Wayne Willis passed away at Lompoc District Hospital on Friday, August 24, 2007, at the age of 82.

Donald was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, on May 21, 1925. He joined the US Marine Corps and served in the South Pacific during World War II. During his eight year career in the military, he was awarded the Purple Heart three times and was given a battlefield commission during the Battle of Sipan.

After graduating from the University of Michigan Donald went to work for the Pittsburg Plate & Glass Company in Chicago. Years later, while visiting his son was who stationed at Vandenberg Air Force Base, he discovered Lompoc. He made Lompoc his home in 1969 and founded Wilco Distributors, a manufacturer of rodent control products.

Donald was a lifetime member of the Lompoc Elks 2274, a member of the Marine Corps League and the Vikings of Solvang. He was also a member of St. Mary Episcopal Church.

Donald participated in the collection of toys for Toys for Tots. He was the grand marshal of the Lompoc Flower Festival in 2007. The Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce awarded him the honor of Man of the Year in 2005. He was a member of the Lompoc Historical Society and had recently restored the house at East Olive Street and South H Street.

Donald is survived by his wife of 17 years, Evelyn, his son, Jeffery W. Willis of Rockford, Illinois, his son-in-law, Brent Hazen of Lompoc, four grandchildren, and one great-grandson. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Gene, in 1985, his daughter, Cheryl J. Hazen, in 2006; and his sister, Katherine Watson.

The memorial service will be on Friday, August 31, 2007, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Episcopal Church followed by interment in St. Mary's Prayer Garden. The Reverend Michael Cunningham will officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary.