Dr. Donald Glenn Willis was born on April 5, 1935 in Waxahachie, Texas and passed away on May 12, 2020 at the age of 85 in Katy, Texas. The son of Fred Willis and Martha Theodosia Willis, there were complications in Don's birth and he was not expected to live through the night. The Willis family had a friend who held him and rocked him by the fire all night long, believing he would live, and declaring that Don was meant for something great. Not only did he live, but he learned to live for Christ at a young age, giving himself over to the ministry of serving others. Looking at the people whose lives were impacted by this giving and caring man, his family truly believes he achieved something great, leaving a legacy of love behind him.

A graduate of Southwestern University and Southern Methodist University, Don was a big believer in education and went on to receive his doctorate from Drew University.

Don married Marjorie Willis in 1959 and they had three children, Martha, Lynn and Fred Willis. Don and Marjorie made a great team in raising their family as well as leading their church family.  Appointed in the Texas Annual Conference for over 40 years, he was in ministry for almost 60 years counting his time as a youth director and as he continued to serve part time in retirement. As an itinerant minister, he passionately served the congregations and communities where he was called, giving fully of his time and leading by example.

Besides working on the Texas Annual Conference staff, some of the churches he served included FUMC Fairfield, Ashford UMC, St. John's UMC Texas City, FUMC Pearland, Alvin FUMC, and FUMC Livingston…No matter which town he found himself a part of, Don was always building up the community where he lived, from helping to start the YMCA in Pearland, Texas to supporting the Big Brothers & Sisters of Livingston. He was also a Mason and served on several Chamber of Commerce organizations.

Besides working for the church and leading people to know Christ, Don enjoyed his "down time" when he could.  He loved watching sports, playing basketball, gardening and planting flowers. And as you might suspect, he enjoyed his family and grandchildren, too.

Don lived in Livingston, Texas for the last 22 years. He is preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie Lee Willis; mother, Martha Theodosia Willis; father, Fred Willis; brothers, Fred and Bob Willis; and sister, Sue Scott.

Don is survived by his daughter, Martha Willis and her son Joe Crain; his son Fred and wife, Sarah Willis and their children Selah and Judah; daughter Lynn and husband David Stuart, and their children Lane and Connor; and his current wife Joyce Loraine Willis and her children.

A celebration of life will be held at First United Methodist Church of Livingston, Texas on May 30th at 11am with Rev. Steve Woody, presiding. Due to the current pandemic, in-person attendance will be restricted to the rules of the church and the worship service will be streamed live for all to watch.  You can find directions for joining the stream at https://livingstonfumc.org/

Cochran Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Please sign our online guestbook at www.cochranfh.com .