Edward "Skeeter" Willis

Edward "Skeeter" Willis , 69, Girardville died tragically Friday at Schuylkill Medical Center South, Pottsville, from complications he suffered during a fire at his home.

Born at the former Ashland State Hospital, he was a son of the late William and Elva ( Sherman ) Willis. Ed worked as the chief of police in Gordon and North Union Township. He was last employed as a truck driver for PennDot.

He was a member of St. Vincent's Catholic Church of St. Charles Borromeo Parish.

He was a 1966 graduate of the former Ashland Area High School, member of Civil Air Patrol, Civic Association, Rangers Hose Co., Girard Hose Co. #1, all of Girardville and the Girardville and Lost Creek Ambulance Associations. He will be remembered as a loyal husband and father and a fantastic grandfather. Ed, also loved his dogs.

He was preceded in death by his brother Michael Willis.

Skeeter is survived by his wife of 49 years Christine E. ( Trynosky ) a son Dave and his wife Jeanne Willis, two daughters; Carrie wife of Jason Simmons and Shannon Willis, his brother Glenn and his wife Ann Marie Willis, his sister Julie Ann wife of Ron Rutko all of Girardville, brother-in-law Michael and his wife Jean Burke, Farmingdale, NJ; four grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 11 a.m. in St. Vincent's Catholic Church, Girardville, with Rev. Edward B. Connolly as the celebrant. Friends may call at the church on Monday morning from 10 a.m. until time of mass.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers contributions, in Ed's name , be made to Girardville Fire Fund in C/O Jason and Carrie Ann Simmons, 20 Cedar Creek Drive Ashland, PA 17921