Willard G. Coutts, 76, of Forty Fort, came peacefully into the arms of the Lord on Saturday evening, January 22, 2022, at his home after a courageous five-year battle with cancer and COPD.

Willard was born June 8, 1945, the son of the late Margaret Lisovsky and Willard Coutts Sr.

A lifelong resident of Forty Fort, Willard was educated at Forty Fort Schools and graduated in 1964 from Forty Fort High School, where he competed on the wrestling and football team, later becoming a member of the fanfare. He earned an associate degree from Lackawanna Junior College.

Willard enlisted in the United States Navy in April 1965. After a boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois, he was assigned to the 7th Fleet aircraft carrier USS Hornet, serving four years in the American War. Vietnam in the South China Sea, and the Gulf of Tonkin.

Willard was responsible for all cargo handling and damage control. He has received numerous distinctions including that of “white hat of the month”. He was honorably discharged in May 1969. In 1971 he joined the reserve unit of the 21st Seabees stationed at Avoca, where he served for 20 years, again honorably discharged.

Willard was a life member of Stella Presbyterian Church, where he served as past leader for many years. He was a 50-year member of the Wyoming Masonic Lodge and the Irem Temple in Dallas.

Willard was a construction mechanic and worked for LB Smith for many years, as well as Sterling Truck, International Harvester and Hadsall Construction.

As a teenager, he enjoyed hunting and fishing; later in life he was a member of a bagpipe band.

Willard was predeceased by his sister, Barbara Ann Williams; and brothers-in-law, Frank Williams; and Samuel Liguori.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Shirley Ackerman Coutts; daughters, Heather (Mark) Coutts/Lamonte; and Jennifer (Simon) Coutts/Hill; step-grandchildren, Marissa and Lance Lamonte and Chloe Hill; sister, Sandra Liguori Texas; brother-in-law, Roger (Jane) Ackerman; many nieces and nephews; grand-nieces and grand-nephews; goddaughter, Rebecca Steeber, Ohio; many special friends; and his beloved dog, Sammie.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Stella Presbyterian Church, 1700 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort, with the Reverend William Lukesh officiating. Interment will follow at Wyoming Cemetery, Wyoming, where military honors will be bestowed by the United States Navy. Family and friends can call from 4-7 p.m. Thursday at Bednarski Funeral Home, 168 Wyoming Ave., Wyoming. Those present at the funeral are asked to come directly to the church on Friday morning.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Stella Presbyterian Church, Shriners Hospital for Children, St. Jude or at Tunnel’s for Towers, in memory of Willard.