Willard K. McCulla
Willard Kennedy McCulla, 80, of Quincy, died Thursday, July 5, in the Illinois Veterans Home, Quincy. He was born August 26, 1931 in Waukegan, IL, the son of Willard K. and Regina (Miller) McCulla. A graduate of Quincy College (now University), Willard served in the U.S. Armys 14th Armored Cavalry Division in Germany in 1953 and 1954. He was affiliated with the Catholic faith.
Willard was a star catcher on the Quincy College baseball team and came to the attention of major league scouts. He eventually signed a contract with the Philadelphia Phillies and was sent to a farm team. However, his playing days were brief. The Korean War was underway and Willard was drafted and assigned to Germany.
After completing military service, Willard decided not to return to baseball but to pursue an interest in business. Nevertheless, he maintained his love for the sport and spent numerous hours coaching.Throughout his life, he was both teacher and student of the game.
Willard held a variety of positions in the Chicago area until returning to Quincy where he founded McCulla Crafts. In 1987, he and his son founded Bear Creek, Inc. of Quincy, a woodworking business that for over 20 years, sold its products in the stores of some of the countrys best known chains
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Willard is survived by two sons, Michael McCulla and his wife Linda,and Pat McCulla, all of Quincy. Also, son-in-law, Terry Hall of Broken Arrow, OK. Six grandchildren: John, Katie and Timothy Hall of Broken Arrow, OK, and Sean, Alaina and Alex McCulla,of Quincy. There are two surviving brothers, James W. McCulla of McLean, VA, and Daniel A. Green of Toronto Canada. His brother Robert is deceased. Numerous neices and nephews also survive.
Willard’s daughters Mary Grace McCulla Hall and Julieanne McCulla, an infant, preceded him in death, as did an infant grandson, Andrew McCulla. Also deceased is his daughter-in-law Margie McCulla.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, July 11, at 9:30 a.m. in the All Faiths Chapel of the Illinois Veterans Home. Interment in Sunset Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday eveningfrom 5 to 7 p.m.at the All Faiths Chapel. Memorials may be made to the Great River Honor Flight or the Quincy Catholic Youth Organization (CYO). The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge ofarrangements, www. dukerand haugh.com.
Sorry for the late condolance. We just heard the sorrowful news. We would like you to know that we hold Will near and dear to our hearts and have many good memories and admoration for such a wonderful man. In case you don’t remember, Robert used to work for McCulla crafts, as well as his daughter Nancy, who was allowed to work summers during school break. Our family will keep you all in our prayers. We hope that by this time, at least some of the sadness has been replaced with knowing that the Lord surely welcomed this wonderful man with open arms. God Bless.
Pat, we are very sorry to hear that your father has passed. I enjoyed learning of his interesting life in the paper. Please know our thoughts are with you and your family.