VIRGINIA BEACH
Robert Trent Willis, 60, of Virginia Beach died on June 29, 2001 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital.
Born in Anna, Illinois to Laura Willis and the late Robert E. Willis. He proudly served his country for 24 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and retired as a LTCOL. He was a member of St. Aidan
First, my condolences to Bob’s family, his mother and their friends. His long service to his family and country will be remembered by many. That service to country extracted a long term impact on his life for those years of service during the country’s time of conflict. I first met Bob when I was a new transfer student into West Grand Elementary School in 1951 for the 5th grade. From that time on I knew Bob as a fierce and smart competitor, both on and off the sports arena. We had many hours of competition on the playground across and down the street from the Willis house. When we all transferred to Butler, Bob was in the thick of a new atmosphere and surroundings, but his winning ways always kept at the top of the heap. Then it was on to SHS and the red and white Chevy convertible that his big sister, Pam, got to drive until Bob got his license. We all moved into the adult world with college or other pursuits. For some, like Bob, there was another higher calling of duty to country which he answered to the fullest. As a former officer of the Armed Forces I can say that Bob carried on the Marine tradition well. He was a good friend who I will remember always.
I was a classmate of Bob’s at Springfield High School, class of 1958. I am so sorry to hear of his death. My condolences to his wife and daughters and family members.
I went to school with Mr. Willis’ daughter, Laura. I’m sorry to hear of his death and would like to express my condolences to his family. God bless you all.
May your fond memories sustain you. Sympathy from an SHS classmate.