1931
Walter R. Wills
2024
Walter R. Wills
February 24, 1931 — May 1, 2024
Dunkirk
Walter Reed Wills, 93, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 1,
2024. The son of William Harmon and Hazel Reed Wills, he was born in
Dunkirk, New York on February 24, 1931.
Walter graduated from Dunkirk High School where he excelled in
academics, receiving a distinguished science award recognizing his
keen intellect.
Following high school, Walter attended and graduated from The College of
Wooster in Ohio, where he sang in the school choir. He later studied at
the University of Chicago.
During his younger years, Walter enjoyed the outdoors, including skiing,
swimming, and beekeeping.
Post university studies, he continued with his pursuit of the classics, both
music and art. These gifts of talent were challenged by the manifestation
of schizophrenia during his twenties.
Walter was extremely interested in international affairs, often traveling to
the United Nations in New York City for lectures. He also travelled to
India and other destinations, always in pursuit of expanded learning
opportunities. He was self-taught in Arabic, and explored both Roman
Catholicism and Islam religions.
Walter is survived by his sister-in-law, Barbara Wills, as well as many
nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, as well as his
brother, William Wills, and his sister, Sarah Johnson.
A private family service is planned for June. Interment will take place at
Willowbrook Park Cemetery in Dunkirk.
The family wishes to thank the staff at LECOM at Village Square in Erie
for their kind and compassionate care of Walter for many years.
2024. The son of William Harmon and Hazel Reed Wills, he was born in
Dunkirk, New York on February 24, 1931.
Walter graduated from Dunkirk High School where he excelled in
academics, receiving a distinguished science award recognizing his
keen intellect.
Following high school, Walter attended and graduated from The College of
Wooster in Ohio, where he sang in the school choir. He later studied at
the University of Chicago.
During his younger years, Walter enjoyed the outdoors, including skiing,
swimming, and beekeeping.
Post university studies, he continued with his pursuit of the classics, both
music and art. These gifts of talent were challenged by the manifestation
of schizophrenia during his twenties.
Walter was extremely interested in international affairs, often traveling to
the United Nations in New York City for lectures. He also travelled to
India and other destinations, always in pursuit of expanded learning
opportunities. He was self-taught in Arabic, and explored both Roman
Catholicism and Islam religions.
Walter is survived by his sister-in-law, Barbara Wills, as well as many
nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, as well as his
brother, William Wills, and his sister, Sarah Johnson.
A private family service is planned for June. Interment will take place at
Willowbrook Park Cemetery in Dunkirk.
The family wishes to thank the staff at LECOM at Village Square in Erie
for their kind and compassionate care of Walter for many years.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Walter R. Wills, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Interment
Wednesday, June 19, 2024
10:00 - 11:00 am (Eastern time)
Willowbrook Cemetery
Guestbook
Visits: 56
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors