David (Dave) Earl Willis, age 65, of La Porte, Indiana, found peace from his earthly bonds on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025.
Dave was an ardent fisherman maintaining a membership in the Michigan City Fish and Game Club. He never missed a game when his beloved Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears took the field. He was a faithful follower of the First Church of God of La Porte.
His most heartfelt joy was his three children, David Willis II (Cassie) and Samantha Willis of Michigan City, and Dennis Willis of La Porte; as well as his grandchildren, Alexander Willis (Jasmine), Christopher Willis, Mary Brianna Coker (Delvin), David Willis III, Sophia Lynn Stromer and Kylia Rae Marshall; and his great-grandchildren, Karter Willis, Saint Willis, Avery Willis and Allen David Coker.
He would often be found playing softball with family, sharing his love of sports as a neighborhood coach or just cheering on the kids from the local sports league.
Dave graduated from Rogers High School in 1978, served his country as a Marine, worked in the trades of drywall and modular home construction, but found his true calling as a culinary specialist at Brickyard Senior Living (La Porte) where he worked for a span of 15 years. With a gift of gab, a flair for food and a generous heart, Dave left his mark on both staff and residents. The family is forever grateful for the compassion of his colleagues during Dave’s last days.
Born Jan. 2, 1960, Dave is preceded in death by his parents, Donald Eugene and Frona May (Wiltfong) Willis; brothers, Donald Jr. and Dennis Willis; sister, Carol Willis Skrypek; nieces, Stacy Willis, Lindsey Willis and Kristen Campagna; and nephew, Darrick Willis.
Surviving are his sisters, Karen Willis of Orlando, Florida, and Kathie Willis (Dennis Congdon) of Michigan City; and brother, Pastor Douglas Willis (Kathleen) of Newkirk, Oklahoma; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other family members in Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Oklahoma.
Arrangements have been entrusted to South Shore Cremation. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to a local sports league of your choice.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.
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