Thomas Leroy Willard, age 76, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Thursday, March 22, 2018, at his home.

He was born October 11, 1941, in Ft. Scott, the son of Elzy Leroy “Jack” Willard and Rowena Louise Maynard Willard.

Thomas attended Ft. Scott schools and later worked in maintenance for the Western Insurance Company which later became American States Insurance Company. He retired after over forty years of service. He married Roma Mae Harris on November 16, 1962, at Ft. Scott.

In earlier years, he enjoyed photography, classic cars, woodworking and barbequing. He attended Mt. Olive Church of God in Christ.

He is survived by his children, LaShawn Anita Noel and husband, Tracy, of Pittsburg, Kansas; Douglas Lee (Cheney) Willard and Sahaun Timogen Willard, all of Ft. Scott; three grandchildren, Cire Miller of Pittsburg, and Cannon and Quinn Willard, both of Raleigh, North Carolina. Also surviving is a sister, Jacqueline Drake, of Ft. Scott and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. His wife, Roma, preceded him in death on February 28, 2008.

There was cremation. Pastor Daryl Gaddy will conduct a memorial service at 11 A.M. Tuesday, March 27 at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 10 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.