Roger Dale Willis, 73, of Petersburg, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 31, 2020, at Select Medical in Evansville.
He was born in Petersburg in his family home to Wesley and Mary (Evans) Willis.
He lived in Petersburg and Loogootee. He attended Petersburg High School, Oakland City University and Indiana State University. His interests always centered around the art world. He taught at Dearborn School Corporation for three years before coming to Loogootee in 1973. He enjoyed all classes K-12, as well as being assistant student council advisor, working with yearly academic bowls, and gifted, talented classes. He established an Artist in Residence program through a grant for the State of Indiana. Students from Russia, England, China and more spent semesters at Loogootee schools.
He was an avid traveler. He and his father took many auto trips. He also enjoyed 11 trips to Israel, a trip to China and more. He was a valuable member of his home area of Petersburg. He was a member of the Pike County Community Foundation, Southern Indiana Holiness Association and Martin County Community Foundation. He was the owner of the Ole Flower Shoppe in Petersburg at the time of his passing.
He is survived by his mother, Mary; sisters, Jeanita Horton and Juanita Richardson; a brother, Tim Willis; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Due to coronavirus, a private service for family members only will be this week.
A memorial service for the public will be at a later date.
