Tony Ray Willingham, devoted father and proud Pawpaw, passed away on January 27, 2025, in Fort Wayne, IN, at the age of 58. Born on July 11, 1966, in Van Wert, OH, to Nancy Darras & Tom Willingham, Tony lived a life filled with love, laughter, and hard work.
Throughout his life, Tony held a strong commitment to his family. He is survived by his parents, Nancy & Charles Darras of Van Wert, Ohio and Tom and Beverly Willingham of Hamilton, Alabama. Tony was the oldest brother to sister, Sandra (Tim) Adams, brothers, Andy (Lora) Darras, and Trent (Heather) Willingham. He leaves behind four children and seven grandchildren who will all miss him dearly.
After graduating from Crestview High School in 1984, he spent years working at GKN in Van Wert and eventually became an independent general contractor. Beyond his love of work and family, Tony possessed a joy for life, camping and sports, especially the world of youth sports with his sons and their friends. He took great pride in his daughter and their special daddy-daughter bond.
Tony’s proudest achievements included his family. He leaves his children, Tyson Sites, Ann Marie (Daran) Elston, Holden (Alyssa Gent) Willingham and Skyler Willingham, who were the pride and joy of his heart. Tony’s memory continues through his cherished grandchildren, McKenzie Owens, Zaeylyn Sites, Legend Sites, Natalie Elston, Harper Elston, and Elijah Elston. Tony also had a special grandson, Greyson Hobbs.
Tony was preceded in death by his sons, Isaiah Willingham and Spencer Sites, sister, Amy Hawkins and grandparents, Carl Eugene and Patricia Carter, and JT and Lenice Willingham.
A visitation to honor Tony’s life will be held at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home on Sunday, February 2, 2025, from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m., with a service at 3PM. Following the service, the family is hosting a mid-day luncheon at the storefront, next to LifeHouse Church, allowing friends and family to say their final goodbyes to Tony.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the family for end-of-life expenses.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, 722 S. Washington St, Van Wert, Ohio.
