Edward Buron Willard

Edward Buron Willard passed away in his home on Tuesday, his family was with him. Eddie was born in Gillette WY to B.H. “Shorty” and Goldie Pauline “Missy” Willard and grew up in Riverton WY, Cody WY and Lloyd-Minister Alberta Canada. He attended the Vermillion School of Agriculture gaining a degree in General Agriculture. Upon graduation in 1950 he joined his family whom had moved back to Wyoming, in the town of Worland. Going into business with his father at Willard’s Husky, over the next 65 years he would own and operate Willard’s Feed and Seed, Ten Sleep Service Company, Washakie Stage, Independent Dairy Service, Ice Cube Enterprises, The Coal Bin and the last few years was business with his son Clark, C&E Rentals.

At a dance in 1951 he met his dancing and life partner Joyce Warner; they were wed August 4th 1954. They danced through a lifetime raising three boys, six Grand Children and two Great Grand Children.

A proud member of his community for many years, Eddie served on numerous boards and worked many events with various organizations. He helped form the original Worland Jaycee Clowns and he was most proud of being one of the first Worland Ambassadors with the Chamber of Commerce. He served as President of the Wyoming Grain Feed and Seed Dealers in 1959. In 1964 he was awarded the Presidents Honor Council from Ralston Purina. He was also a part of the Worland Oktoberfest and Chamber Customer Appreciation BBQ, as well as the national Girl Scout camp.

He loved to share Washakie county history with anyone. He was the President of the Chamber in 1981 when Worland celebrated its Diamond Jubilee working to bring off one of the biggest celebrations in the communities history. Many community leaders and friends would stop by the shop for a cup of Eddie’s macadamia nut coffee to talk of life, problems or what the community needed. The first Community builder’s award was designed by him and he presented it to others for years.

If anyone needed help, just run up a flag and he would be there in a jiffy. Many in the community down on their luck would come to him and he would bail them out no questions asked. Most would pay him back and he always gained another friend for life.

He has been described as an amazing man, friendliest guy in town, always had a smile and a wave, community builder and friend. Our community has lost an amazing supporter who truly enjoyed giving.

Eddie was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Joyce and granddaughter Missy.

Eddie is survived by his three boys E. Berch (Linda) of Dover New Hampshire, Michael B. (Carol) and Clark W (Cindy) all of Worland. Grandchildren Jeremiah (Emily) Willard, Joy (Michael Sincevich) Willard of Blackfoot ID and Shay Willard of Dover NH. , Charity (Shane) Harkins both of Casper WY. Great Grandchildren Micah & Griffin Harkins.