Willis David Burroughs

Willis David Burroughs entered his heavenly home on August 21, 2025 at the age of 92. He was born in Argos, Indiana on September 30, 1932 to Ray and Evelyn Burroughs. He graduated from Argos High School with the Class of 1951.

After high school, he worked for the Union Switch and Signal Company until he was drafted. Willis was a proud veteran who served his country as a military policeman with the United States Air Force. He achieved the rank of Airman First Class and was stationed in Germany from 1952 to 1956.

He met the love of his life, Mary Sue Burns, at the Argos Roller Rink when they were teenagers. They were married in 1953 and enjoyed over 69 years of marriage before her death in 2023. They became proficient at dance skating, and they loved to swing dance and continued to do so into their eighties. They also enjoyed traveling, and their travels took them to see all 50 states.

After his exit from the service, he worked with his father to run the Burroughs Insurance Agency in Argos, and eventually ran the Agency by himself until it was bought by State Exchange Bank. Willis was employed as an insurance agent for many years with State Exchange Bank. He also worked for Superior Bath, Vanadco Sign Company, and was the Park Superintendent for the Town of Argos after his retirement.

Willis taught his family that they should always leave the world a better place than they found it. His life of service to others exemplified that belief. He served his community by volunteering as Fire Chief for the Argos Volunteer Fire Department, and he served as a Precinct Committeeman for the Republican Party.

Willis was a faithful member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Plymouth where he sang in the choir for many years and served as past treasurer and trustee. As a trustee, he was instrumental in building the church’s elevator.

Having played basketball both in high school and in the Air Force, he remained an avid sports fan his entire life. He was especially passionate about IU basketball and the Chicago Cubs.

Willis was a very devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He always supported his family and never missed attending their athletic and music events. As an accomplished cook, he and his wife Mary cooked Sunday dinners for their family and hosted many Thanksgiving dinners for their extended family.

Surviving are two sons, Mike (Sandy) Burroughs, and Jim (Donna) Burroughs, and sister Susanna Carswell. Also surviving are grandchildren Amanda (Dustin) Richert, Jimmy (Tianna) Burroughs, Allison (Charles) Garmon, and David (Renee) Burroughs. Great-grandchildren: Juliana Richert, Cooper Richert, Harper Burroughs, Piper Burroughs, Hanna Barham, Teagan Garmon, and Ella Garmon; Sister-in-law: Peggy Fast and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Sue, his parents Ray and Evelyn Burroughs, sisters Connie Lowe and Mary Richey and brothers-in-law, Dick Richey, Herb Lowe, Loren Carswell, and Del Fast.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 5, 2025 from 4-7 pm at Johnson Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth.

A Celebration of Life service to honor the life of Willis will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Trinity United Methodist Church, 425 S. Michigan St., Plymouth, IN 46563. Visitation will resume  at 12:00 pm prior to the start of the service. The service will be officiated by Pastor Kayla Grehl.

Burial will be in the New Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth with military honors rendered by the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard and the Plymouth Am. Legion Post #27.

Memorial contributions can be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 425 S. Michigan St., Plymouth, IN 46563, or the charity of the donor’s choice.

The family expresses their deepest gratitude to Traditions Health Hospice, Dr. Byron Holm, and especially Misty Hudson and Lillian Jarvis for their love and care for Willis and his family.