Robert Willits

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Robert D. “Bob” Willits will be held at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, July 21, 2022 at the McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home in Bettendorf.  Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Thursday at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bettendorf Lions Club.

He was born on September 19, 1941 in Muscatine, Iowa, the son of Claire and Verna Lucille (Boiler) Willits and was a 1960 graduate of Muscatine High School.  On March 1, 1997, he was united in marriage to Cheryl S. Thornbloom in Davenport.

Bob worked for the Alcoa Company first as a crane operator and later in truck repair.  He retired in 2002 after 41 years of faithful service.

He formerly lived in LeClaire, Iowa and was a founding member of the LeClaire Volunteer Ambulance Service.

Bob’s life was always about helping others.  He was a dedicated and tireless member of the Lions Club International.  Bob served two terms as President of the LeClaire Lions Club and two terms as President of the Bettendorf Lions Club.  He served as Lions District Governor in 2011-2012 and attended the International Lions Convention in South Korea.  Bob participated in countless Lions meeting throughout the country, including Anchorage, Alaska and Seattle, Washington for the USA/Canada Lions Forum.  He was also active in the Leader Dog Program and the Lions KidSight USA, a nation-wide program that brings Lions clubs across the country together to ensure children receive eye screenings and follow-up care.  Bob truly exemplified the Lions motto, “We Serve.”

Bob was also active at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, serving on the Vestry, Property Committee and as Senior Warden.  He dearly loved his dogs, was devoted to his family, enjoyed church activities, and appreciated a variety of music.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Cheryl; his daughters, Bobbi Jo (Jonathan) Smith of Bettendorf, Beth (Mark) Kimball of Aledo, Illinois, Cayleah (fiancé, Josh) Willits of Bettendorf and Cheri (Jon) Claus of Davenport, Iowa; his sons, David Willits of Bettendorf, Mark Willits of Bettendorf and Rick Haessler of LeClaire; 10 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; his brothers, Jim (Jan) Willits in Ohio and Larry (Kathy)Willits in Florida; his brother-in-law, Randy (Jackie) Thornbloom of Davenport;  his beloved canine companions, Buddy and Ziggy; and many other relatives and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his sisters, Betty and Bonnie; his parents; his former wives, Jessie and Marilyn; and his loyal dogs, Emily, Bingo, Willy, Bubby and B.J.