HUNTSBURG, Ohio, and STOCKTON SPRINGS – The Rev. Willard Watson Strong, 84, died July 21, 2009, of pancreatic cancer at his daughter’s home. He was born Feb. 25, 1925, in Huntsburg, Ohio, the son of Vera and Rhea Strong. He served in the 3rd Army Division in Germany when he was awarded a Purple Heart. He received a Bachelor of Arts from Youngstown State and his Master of Divinity from Methesco. He was ordained at Hartsgrove UCC Church. He served several Ohio churches leaving a legacy of artwork and music. His last pastorate was a UCC Church in Milford. He is survived by his wife, Betty (Spooner) Strong of Stockton Springs and Huntsburg, Ohio; sons, Richard and wife, Roberta, of Painesville, Ohio, and David and wife, Marcella, of Orwell, Ohio; daughters, Beth and husband, Roger, of Stockton Springs, Susan and husband, Rick, of Montville, Ohio, Mae and husband, Bob, of Dunstable, Mass., and Carol and husband, Gerard, of Pelham, N.H.; and grandchildren, Richard, Cassandra, Briana, Meghan, Colleen, Alex, Michael, Sophia and Maxwell. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Corinne Kreves; and daughter-in-law, Alice Strong. A spring memorial service is planned. He chose to donate his body to the Case Medical School for research. Those who wish may make contributions to the American Cancer Society, the local area hospice or a charity of your choice.
REV. WILLARD WATSON STRONG
