Donald E. Willoughby, 86, of 841 Beech Street, St.Marys, OH, died 12:35 a.m. Thursday, July 16, 2009 at the Wapakoneta Manor Nursing Home, Wapakoneta, OH.   

He was born March 6, 1923 in St.Marys, Oh, the son of Clarence and Ida (Hoagland) Willoughby. 

He married Dorothy Jones on October 24, 1942; she preceded him in death on May 27, 1987. 

He is survived by his one son, Drake (Sue) Willoughby of Slocomb, AL and by 2 grandsons, Shane Hughes of Spencerville, OH and Jimmy Finke of St.Marys, OH. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife,  his three brothers:  Vernon, Clarence and Earl Willoughby and by his sister, Laura Thomas. 

Don was a 1941 graduate of St.Marys Memorial High School.  He served in the US Army during WWII.  He was a scout and saw action in Italy with the 3rd Infantry Division.  He was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart for his service. 

He was a retired truck driver.  He was a life member of VFW Post 9289 in St.Marys, life member of Wapakoneta Chapter of the Disabled American Vets and a Golden Eagle member of Eagles Lodge 767 in St.Marys. 

Funeral Rites will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday, July 19, 2009 at the Miller Funeral Home, 1605 Celina Road, St.Marys, OH, the Rev. Bill Maki, officiant.  Burial, with military honors, will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery. 

Friends may call one hour prior to services at the funeral home, where memorial donations may be directed to the Auglaize County Humane Society.