Willis L. Bird

February 27, 1923 - October 28, 2019

Willis Leeotto Bird, 96, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 11:12 A.M. Monday October 28, 2019 at Heritage Health Therapy and Senior Living in Hoopeston. He was born February 27, 1923 in rural Hoopeston the son of Ralph and Lottie (Lloyd) Bird. He married Annabelle Lingley on February 4, 1945, at the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Hoopeston. She survives. He is also survived by two daughters, Cathy (David) Hagan of Gibson City, IL and Connie (John) Mortonson of Green Bay, WI; one son, Jerry Bird of Fairmount, IL; 6 grandchildren, Greg Bird, Joel Bird, Michael Mortonson, Andrew Mortonson, Justin Hagan, and Jennifer Hagan; 2 great-grandchildren, Elise and Ian Mortonson; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Karen; one son, Gary; one brother, Francis Bird; and one grandson, Jeremy Bird. Willis was a lifelong farmer. He was a member of the Hoopeston Masonic Star Lodge #709 and the Hoopeston First Christian Church Disciples of Christ where he had served as an elder, trustee, and board chairman. He was also a past member of the East Lynn school board, past President of the Vermilion County Farm Bureau, and past Ward 4 Alderman in Hoopeston. A visitation will be held 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Friday November 1, 2019 at Anderson Funeral Home 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL, with a masonic service beginning at 6:45 P.M. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday November 2, 2019 at the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ 502 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL, with Rev. Tom Cici officiating. Burial will follow in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston.