Byron "Bud" Willard, 92, of Urbana, died at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at Provena Covenant Medical Center, Urbana.

Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m., Friday, March 16, 2012 at Grace United Methodist Church, Urbana. Rev. Michael Smith and Phillip Hansen will officiate. Burial will be at Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayview. Visitation will be an hour prior to the service at the church. Renner-Wikoff Chapel is handling the arrangements.

Bryon Willard was born December 24, 1919 in Urbana a son of Frank and Rose Ersig Willard. He married Rhoda Willard in 1943 in Missouri. She survives.

Survivors include a daughter in law Shirley Willard of Urbana; a sister Joanne (Jack) Opolka of Urbana; two grandsons, Cory (Jamie) Willard of Sidney, and Craig (Jeannie) Willard of Pana; and five great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son, Robert Willard; two brothers, a sister, and several half brothers and sisters.

Mr. Willard worked at Roberson's Department Store and Gils Track and Field before becoming the Supervisor of the Tool Room at the U of I. He worked for the U of I for 26 years. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Urbana. Bud was an avid golfer and fisherman, and enjoyed traveling, his grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Grace United Methodist Church. Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.