Willard Theodore Wolfe

In Loving Memory of Willard Theodore Wolfe

June 24, 1944 – October 25, 2025

With profound love and gratitude, the family of Willard Theodore Wolfe celebrates the life of a remarkable man whose strength, faith, and gentle humor touched every life around him.

Willard was born on June 24, 1944, the youngest of four boys and the sixth of eight children. He grew up during challenging times, facing hardship early when his father left the family. Even as a young boy, Willard worked hard to help provide for his loved ones — selling ice cream from a cart to make ends meet. During this season of life, a kind Christian neighbor who owned a washer and dryer sales business introduced him to faith in Jesus Christ — a moment that became the foundation of his life and character.

Standing 6 feet 7 inches tall, Willard was a giant in both stature and heart. His family fondly remembered the story of how, as a boy, finding shoes his size meant traveling all the way to Dayton, Ohio — one of many examples of the unique path he walked.

Willard proudly served his country in the United States Army, completing two tours in Vietnam while several of his siblings served in the Navy. His time in service was a defining chapter of his life. He later continued his commitment to his fellow veterans through leadership at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, where he served honorably as Post Commander at the VFW in El Paso, Texas, Fort Bliss Chapter. His leadership reflected his lifelong dedication to service, camaraderie, and country.

At the age of 25, Willard suffered a serious back injury, but through God’s grace and his own determination, he recovered fully. Over the years, he built a reputation as a jack of all trades, working as a handyman, factory worker, dairy inspector, and at Jupiter — which later became K-Mart. Whatever task he took on, he gave it his all, guided by grit, loyalty, and integrity.

It was during his time in the military that Willard met the love of his life, Dolores. While stationed at Fort Bliss, he remembered a pen pal in El Paso. He took a bus into town, got off downtown, and walked a long stretch of Missouri Street to find her. Though he wasn’t the most exciting of her Vietnam pen pals, when Dolores opened the door and saw his piercing blue eyes, her heart was his. On April Fools’ Day, 1967, Willard proposed — slipping a rock into the ring box as a playful joke. Just a few months later, on June 10, 1967, they were married, beginning a love story that would last a lifetime. Meeting Dolores changed the course of his life — he chose not to re-enlist and instead built a future with her.

Willard is lovingly survived by his daughter, Sarah Tannehill, and her husband, Allen; and by his beloved grandchildren Heather Marie Escamilla, Leonardo Escamilla III, and Michael Theodore Escamilla, who were the joy of his later years. He is also survived by Phyllis DaPore and many extended family members who cherished him deeply.

He was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Dolores T. Wolfe, the love of his life.

Willard’s life is a story of perseverance, faith, and quiet strength. He faced hardship with courage, loved deeply, worked hard, and lived with a steadfast trust in the Lord. His towering presence, leadership, and kindness will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love, faith, and service will live on through his family and the countless lives he touched.

“The righteous man walks in his integrity; blessed are his children after him.” — Proverbs 20:7

A service will be held to honor and celebrate his life at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery, November 4th 2025, at 1:30 pm.