Willard De Witt Van Order's Obituary
On December 21st, 2025, Willard DeWitt Van Order, of Okahumpka, FL entered into his heavenly reward.
Willard was born July 29, 1922 in Marsh Creek, PA to his parents, Joseph and Lena Van Order. As a young man, he would bravely serve his country by joining the United States Army during World War 2. He was a member of the 1303rd Engineers and served under General George S Patton in both the European and Pacific theaters from 1942-1945. As one of Patton’s Eager Beavers, he helped reconstruct and build bridges throughout Europe to keep the war efforts moving. During this time, Willard received 5 Bronze Stars for major battles, including Battle of the Bulge and D-Day. Once stateside, he later re-enlisted in the Nation Guard from 1949-1951.
Upon returning home, he married the love of his life, Bethel in 1946 and they spent 50 years together until her passing in 1996. Together they had 5 children and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
Willard was an artist at heart, known for his creativity, painting, woodworking, sense of humor, guitar playing and adventurous tales. Over the years, he entertained everyone with his war stories and tales of travels abroad.
Willard is survived by:
Daughter, Jeanette Vaughn (James Gerald Vaughn)
Son, Claude Van Order (Debbie Van Order)
Daughter-in-Law, Fannie Van Order
Son-in-Law, John Schaller
14 Grandchildren
28 Great-Grandchildren
18 Great-Great Grandchildren
He was preceded in death by:
Father, Joseph Van Order
Mother, Lena Livermore Van Order
Sister, Margaret McEwen
Sister, Neva Bartlett
Wife, Bethel Foulk Van Order
Son, Paul Elmer Van Order
Son, Daniel Van Order
Daughter, Amy Schaller
Grandson, Justin Kilgore
Great-Grandson, Joshua Banner
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