Edward Ellis Willoughby, 81, passed away July 22, 2018, at Harrison Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas, after suffering a tragic fall; his devoted family surrounded him during his last moments.

Ed was born in Franklin, to Donald and Eloise Stafford Willoughby. He was proud to be a U.S. Air Force veteran of 20 years, serving in both the Vietnam and Korean wars. He ended his military career and began his civilian career in Laredo, Texas. After he and his first wife parted ways, he found his soulmate, Patricia, and welcomed her adult children as his own. Upon his civilian retirement, the couple made their home in Palo Pinto, Texas. Ed was a loyal New Orleans Saints fan and a die-hard Fox News patron, but above all, he loved his wife, children and grandchildren.

Edward temporarily left the love of his life, Patricia Willoughby, until the time when they meet again. He is also survived by two children, Fleet (Zoe) Willoughby of Mobile, Ala., and Debra(Dennis) Stout of Sachse, Texas; and four stepchildren whom he loved as his own, Bob (Branda) Wegner of Lovington, N.M., Jessie (Juana) Wegner of Florida, Deliahla (Steve) Clark of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Elizabeth “Candy” (Jason) Wilbanks of Odessa, Texas. He also leaves behind 14 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, a brother and three nieces.

A committal service along with military honors will be held at Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery at a future date.

Condolences may be sent to “P.O. Box 431, Santo, TX 76472.” In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to “Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517.”