STEELEVILLE - Willard H. Bixby, 94, of Steeleville, IL, passed away Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at 1:50 am at Memorial Hospital in Chester, IL. He was born in Blair, IL on November 30, 1013 the son of William M. and Matilda E. Herberger Bixby. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Helen (Bogan) Bixby, whom he married August 7, 1937 in Crown Point, IN; his parents, William and Matilda (Herberger) Bixby; one son, Jon; one sister, Ethel; four brothers, Gene, Maurice, Leonard and Russell. he later married his childhood friend, Laverne (Knop) Luehr on April 15, 1994 in Steeleville, IL and she passed away May 7, 2008. Surviving are his son, Don and his wife, Sara; three grandchildren, Christopher and wife, Sherry; Don and wife, Brandy; and David and wife, Rhonda; and six great grandchildren. He was a graduate of the University of Illinois. he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Engineering in 1937. After graduation he worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in rural Electrification. His team was responsible for introducing electricity to rural farmers. In July of 1941 his Army Reserve unit was activated during World War II. He was a member of the 119th EA/978 FA BN in the European Theatre. He retired as a Lt. Colonel from the 381st FA BN of the 102nd Infantry Division with 20 years of service. He was award the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, American Defense Medal, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with Four Bronze Stars. He acquired American Device Mfg. Co. in 1954. His friend, Athur Werre, called him and said the current owner was ill and wanted to sell the business. He then turned the busines around and the company has provided steady employment since then. He retired in 1992 when the business was sold to Dorma. He was a director of the First National bank of Steeleville for over 30 years. He was a member of the B.B.K. American Legion Post #480 in Steeleville. He loved to travel, study geneology, fish, play golf and be with his family. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 am, Friday, October 17, 2008 at Wilson's Funeral Home in Steeleville with Rev. Dr. Alan W. Janneke officiating. Burial will follow in Paradsie Cemetery in Steeleville. Visitation will be held at Wilson's Funeral Home, Steeleville, where friends may call from 6 to 8 pm Thursday and on Friday from 7:30 am until the hour of service. Memorials may be given to St. Mark's Lutheran Church.