Willard A. Scheibe, 79, of Waterloo, died March 27, 2014 in Columbia.

He was born Aug. 21, 1934 in Maeystown, son of the late Max W. and Sylvia (nee Fromme) Scheibe.

A man’s life is measured by his giving. Willard was Max and Sylvia’s only child and gave to them what he felt was their due until they left this world for a better place.

Willard joined the Marines in 1953 and served his country until 1975. He married Opal Eichelmann, daughter of Roland and Mabel Eichelmann,  March 29, 1958 in Waterloo. They had no children. Opal proceded Willard in death on July 24, 2007. Throughout their life together, they spent 23  years traveling with his Marine assignments to such places as Guam, Finland, California, Virginia and South Carolina. Willard served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. His jobs included Chief Cook, Air Marshal, and extraordinary sergeant with numerous other responsibilities. Willard did not talk very much about the things he did while serving but related things about “crawling on his stomach to feed his troops as they were under fire” in Korea, not saying he and his crew were also under the same fire. He talked about as an Air Marshal during Vietnam while transporting enemy POWs to undisclosed destinations. He was the only person on the plane that was armed. He never spoke of his personal dangers. Giving, oh yes — 23 years of dedicated giving to his country.

After Willard’s retirement from the service, he became active in local politics. He served on committees for his precinct for many years. For his dedication, Willard received the first “Leroy Reitz Award” given.  He cherished this honor as one of the greatest moments of his life. More “giving” while “living,” definitely.

Willard also became a “teacher” in the art of cooking and barbecuing to relatives, friends and even total strangers. He catered many events for the VFW, of which he was a proud giving member. He also catered and barbecued for country clubs, business establishments, and private family functions. He also served as a special deputy sheriff under Pat Brueggeman and an active member of various organizations.  Willard belonged to the VFW, American Legion, Fleet Reserve Association, Maeystown Sportsman’s Club and Democratic Club.

He is survived by brother-in-law Wesley (Dixie) Eichelmann; nieces and nephews Brenda (Jim) Krebel, Sandy Baldwin, Carol (Ray) Turnquist, Kevin Eichelmann, Bob (Denise) Eichelmann, Lisa Meegan, Randy (Rose) Marquardt, Gary (Ramona) Marquardt, Tracy (Char) Marquardt and Scott (Darlene) Marquardt; other relatives, including members of the Scheibe, Eichelmann, Toenjes and other families.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by in-laws Otto and Millie Eichelmann, Bill Eichelmann, Art and Arlou (Eichelmann) Marquardt and Paul and Leona Eichelmann.

Visitation took place March 30-31 at Quernheim Funeral Home, Waterloo.

Funeral services took place March 31 at the funeral home.

Interment followed at Waterloo Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Waterloo VFW or Disabled American Veterans.