Harold “Gene” Willis, 83, of Denver, died Thursday, September 23, 2021. He was born to the late Harold and Ella Willis, on May 9, 1938, in Sciotodale, near Portsmouth, Ohio. Gene was the oldest of four children.

Gene grew up in Sciotoville, Ohio in a Christian home and he greatly admired the example of his father. He played football in high school and liked sports of all kinds, including golf, bowling, tennis, volleyball, baseball, and swimming. When he was 18-years-old, he joined the Navy and served four years between the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He really enjoyed the Navy, and was tempted to re-enlist, but decided against it after a toddler on the base ran up to him while he was dressed in his Naval uniform and called him “Daddy!” Gene knew he wanted a wife and family, with children he would know, who would also know him, so he decided a career in the Navy would not be for him after all.

Gene and Iva were married on May 5, 1962, and were blessed with two daughters, Jennifer and Heather. Gene loved the mountains, hiking, and even taught himself to snow ski as well as his girls. His one failure was trying to teach his wife to ski—she and sports just did not mesh well. Gene was a devoted husband and loving father. He liked spending time with his daughters, supported them in sports and their other pursuits, and was very proud of them both. Later, one of his greatest joys was getting to spend as much time as possible with his six grandchildren.

He attended the University of Denver for three years but did not graduate. Beside working for the FBI after leaving the Navy, he also drove a truck delivering concrete, and later owned and operated a semi-truck delivering sand and gravel locally. The last five years before retiring were spent as a Correctional Officer at a prison facility in Denver where Gene worked in the infirmary. He was never one to complain about any job he held, but being a Correctional Officer was definitely not his favorite.

Gene loved Jesus and serving others. He was friendly and outgoing and had a way of making anyone he met feel special. Over the years he served in the church as elder, teacher, greeter, choir member, and helper wherever needed. Most recently he was a member of Red Rocks Fellowship in Littleton.

Gene was blessed with good health most of his life. It was only in the last few years that he developed cancer. Even then he never complained and enjoyed time with family and friends. It is comforting to know he is now with the Lord, free of pain and suffering. God used him to touch the lives of many. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Gene is survived by Iva, his wife of 59 years, and is also survived by his two daughters: Jennifer (Paul) Warrington of McKinney, Texas, and Heather (Hugh) Fitzpatrick of Elizabeth, Colorado. He is survived by his six grandchildren: Cole, Luke, Beau, and Emma Warrington and Colin and Abigail Fitzpatrick. He is also survived by his brother Clyde Willis and two sisters, Ruth Ann Flower and Janet Flower. He is preceded in death by parents Harold and Ella Willis.

On October 14, 2021, a viewing will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home from 12-1:45pm followed by a committal service at Fort Logan National Cemetery at 2:15pm. A reception will follow at Red Rocks Fellowship at 3:15pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting contributions be made to East-West Ministries, International. To do so, send gifts to www.eastwest.org/warringtondonate or make checks payable to: East-West Ministries 2001 W. Plano Pkwy, Suite 3000, Plano TX 75205 (Please indicate “9521” on the Memo Line). To send condolences or leave a special message for the family, please visit NewcomerDenver.com.