Richard "Rick" Craig Willyard

Richard Craig Willyard, 67, of New Castle, went home to be with the Lord on the morning of Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at IU Health Methodist Hospital. Rick was born on May 23, 1953 in Barnsville, OH, a son of the late Rev. James Beecher and Lorraine (Parlier) Willyard. As the son of a preacher, they moved around a lot ministering and visiting churches. He graduated from Pendleton High School in 1970 and quickly after enlisted in the military. Rick served in the U.S. Army as a medical corpsman and health care specialist. He was stationed with the 97th General U.S. Army Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany and received his Honorable Discharge in 1975. His military decorations include the National Defense Service Medal. He later attended Ball State University before graduating from Indiana University with his Master’s degree as a Nurse Practitioner. He worked at Riley Hospital in Indianapolis and Children’s Hospital in Cincinnati before serving on the medical team with Indiana Department of Corrections. Rick took much pride as a Free Mason and was very active in the New Castle Lodge #91 F&AM and the Order of the Eastern Star #116. Rick was raised as a Mason on April 23, 2007. He was a Two Time Past Master at New Castle Lodge No. 91 F.&A.M. Year-(2013) (2017). Rick served the Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of Indiana as Grand Master of the II Veil for three years. He was a proud member of York Rite Masonry. Past High Priest at Middletown Chapter #143 Royal Arch Masons, Year- (2015). Past Eminent Commander at Greenfield Commandery #39, Knights Templar, Year- (2019). Present Illustrious Master at Greenfield Council #94, Cryptic Masons, Year- (2020). Rick was also a proud member of the York Rite College: Marvin L. Isley #129 @ Franklin (Present Officer). He is a member of Columbus AMD: and Present Officer. Rick is a member of Scottish Rite in Indianapolis and Knights of Pythias: Lifetime Member at New Castle #33. He is a member of Indianapolis Preceptory #4 Yeoman of York @ Greenfield- Officer. Rick was awarded the Bronze Service Award for Distinguished service award from the Most Excellent Grand High Priest of the Royal Arch Masons 2018. Rick Willyard was nominated for Knights of the York Cross of Honor (KYCH) From: Robert A. Woods Priory #62, for Induction in January 2021. He is a member of High Twelve in Muncie, Indiana. He currently held the office of Worthy Patron, New Castle #116 Order of the Eastern Star. Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Cynthia (Crane) Willyard; son, James Willyard of Rising Sun; sister, Kim Willyard of Columbia City; brother, David (wife: Patty) Willyard of Columbia City; sister-in-law, Beth Willyard of Hixson, Tennessee and Linda (husband: Bob) Buggle of Florida; brother-in-law, Kit (wife: Stacey) Crane of New Castle and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Russ Willyard. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Indiana Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star for the Worthy Grand Patron’s Project – Freedom Fliers or the Worthy Grand Matron Project - providing defibrillators for the Masonic Home Compass Park in Franklin, IN or the ICAN Service Dog Project. Envelopes will be available at the services. Calling will be held from 9:00-11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2020 at the First United Methodist Church in New Castle. Funeral service will be held immediately following the calling at 11:00 am with Pastor Holly Hardsaw officiating. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery West Lawn Addition with military honors provided by contingents from the US Army and American Legion. ***Due to the COVID-19 virus masks and social distancing will be required. With the safety of others in mind, please do not attend if you feel any symptoms of illness.*** You may send the family a personal condolence at www.sprolesfamilycares.com. The Sproles family and staff are honored to serve the family of Richard Willyard.

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Richard "Rick" Craig Willyard

May 23, 1953 - August 26, 2020