Willis Waldo Ader

Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Willis Waldo Ader, 90, of Greencastle, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2015.

He was born and raised on the family farm on Oct. 11, 1924 to Jesse Verl Ader and Ruth E. Crews Ader.

Willis was a 1943 graduate of Bainbridge High School, serving as the vice president and valedictorian of the class. He was a Rector Scholarship winner and received many oratorical honors and also served as editor-in-chief of the school paper.

Mr. Ader honorably served his country in the U.S. Army in the Philippines, and was discharged to care for his parents and the family farm in 1946.

He was a member of Indian Creek Primitive Baptist Church and attended Hanna Street Baptist Church.

Willis was a second generation farmer and was known for his Silver Queen Sweet Corn. He had also been employed by the ASCS, where he measured land throughout Putnam County.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Vera Dearinger and niece Karen Huber.

Willis married Opal Regina Benassi on Dec. 31, 1950 in New Market.

Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Opal Regina Ader; three children, Rebecca Harris and husband Arthur of Greencastle, Nina Morgan and husband Robert of Lafayette and Jesse V. Ader and wife Wendy of Greencastle; six grandchildren, Jennifer Morgan, Craig Morgan, Christie Leonard and husband Joe, Joshua Harris and wife Elisha, Mary Harris and Sadie Lane and husband David; and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, Aug. 7 at 11 a.m. at Hopkins-Rector Funeral Home, with Pastor Patrick Smith officiating. Interment with Honors will follow at Brick Chapel Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, Aug. 6 from 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorials may be shared with VFW Post #1550, 819 S. Jackson St., Greencastle, IN 46135.

Willis was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed family gatherings and life on the farm. He was a great story teller and enjoyed attending auctions and the sale barn events.

Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.Hopkins-Rector.com.