Melvin Wills

Melvin D. Wills

"Gabby"

Age 77 of Coal City, passed away Tuesday November 21, 2006 at his home.

Born October 19, 1929 in Mazon, Gabby was a son of the late James and Helen (McLuckie) Wills. He was raised and educated in the Coal City area and graduated with the Coal City High School Class of 1947. On August 21, 1948 Gabby married LaVada Gollick in Morris, and together they lived their entire married life in Coal City. Gabby was a member of the Laborers Union Local #75 for over 50 years, from where he retired.

Survivors include three daughters: Cynthia (Harry) Tinsman of Joliet, Sharon (Patrick) Barr of St. Charles and Diana Foster of Streator. One son Terry (Carol) Wills of Coal City; Ten grandchildren: Jennifer Strnad of Plainfield, Brian Faletti and Alan Faletti, both of Dwight, Kathrine (Steve) Cox of Coal City, Timothy Barr of Cortland, Christopher Barr of St. Charles, Carrie (Jason) Onsen of Plainfield, Kristin Wills of Coal City and Jimmy Foster and Jessica Foster of Morris. Eight Great Grandchildren; one brother Glenn Wills of Niles, one sister-in-law Alice Wills of Coal City and his special friend and companion Maxine Shirtino of Coal City, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Gabby was preceded in death by his parents, wife LaVada (November 14, 1975), one grandson Justin Foster, one brother Elmer Wills and one sister Wanda (Calvin) Studyvin.

Visitation and Video Tribute will be held on Friday November 24, 2006 between the hours of 4:00PM and 8:00PM at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway (one block North of Illinois Route 113) in Coal City. Funeral services will follow on Saturday November 25th at 10:00AM in the funeral home with Dr. Thomas Logsdon from the Coal City United Methodist Church officiating.

Burial will be in Braceville-Gardner Cemetery and pallbearers will be: Alan Faletti, Brian Faletti, Timothy Barr, Christopher Barr, Jason Onsen and Steven Cox.

Friends may sign the online guestbook or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Gabby's memory to Grundy Community Volunteer Hospice or American Cancer Society.

Funeral services and arrangements are under the direction of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City.