Paul E Wills

Paul Everett Wills, age 99, of Lancaster, PA, died peacefully on July 12, 2026, at The Glen at Willow Valley, with family by his side.

Born on August 10, 1926, and raised in South Fork, Cambria County, PA, Paul was the fourth of six children born to Howard W. and Lucy (De Moise) Wills. After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served from 1944-1946 as a Fire Controlman 3rd Class on the USS Westmoreland in the Pacific theater during World War II. He also served an additional five years in the U.S. Naval Reserves. After discharge from active duty, he attended college graduating from the University of Pittsburgh in 1949 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and from Penn State University with a Master of Science in Chemistry in 1951. He went to work for E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Company as a chemist advancing to Research Associate (Chemistry) before retiring after 39 years. He enjoyed his work in the lab and manufacturing facilities or at client locations trouble-shooting formulas in their paints and finishes division. One of his formulas received a US Patent in 1983. Most of his years were spent at du Pont’s Marshall Labs on Grays Ferry Avenue in Philadelphia.

Paul married the former Mary C. Agnello of Knox, PA on April 24, 1954. They met through his sister, Twila, a nurse at Windber Hospital, Windber, PA where Mary was the pharmacist and he was a patient after an automobile accident. They had three sons raising them in Havertown, PA, and then Berwyn, PA in suburban Philadelphia. He enjoyed caring for the landscape around the home, planting trees and bushes that became a shady grove over the years. Paul was a member of Berwyn United Methodist Church for many years often serving as a trustee and in other ways behind the scenes. He faithfully cared for his wife as health issues arose. After 33 years in Berwyn, Paul and Mary moved to the Willow Valley Retirement Communities in Willow Street, south of Lancaster, PA, in 1995.

During retirement Paul and Mary traveled some, including a memorable cross-country drive with her brother and sister-in-law, an Alaskan cruise, and driving tours to places of interest in the eastern US and Canada. They also remained involved in their sons’ lives and enjoyed spending time with the grandchildren.

Paul is survived by his son, Paul D. (Katharine) of Coatesville, PA, and three grandchildren, Samuel P. of Leesport, PA, Isaac D. of Coatesville, PA, and Lydia K. of Leesport, PA. Also surviving are his sister, Twila (Wills) Sharar of Horseheads, NY, and seven nieces and nephews. Paul was predeceased by his parents and siblings H.E. De Von, Helen L., Raymond W., Ruth W. Kline, a nephew, and two sons, James W. in 2018 and John J. in 2022. Paul shared 60 years of marriage and life with his wife, Mary, before her passing in 2014. He had missed her dearly these last 12 years.

The family extends appreciation and thanks for the nursing and care staff at The Glen at Willow Valley and the nurses with Hospice & Community Care for their compassionate care of Paul and support to the family.

A Memorial Service is scheduled for 3:30 pm on Monday, August 10, 2026, at Willow Valley North’s Johnson Auditorium, 660 Willow Valley Square, Lancaster, PA. All family and friends are invited to attend this time of celebration and remembrance.

Burial arrangements are private at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Paul’s memory to Handi-Crafters (a sheltered workshop where his son, James, worked for many years), 215 Barley Sheaf Road, P.O. Box 72646, Thorndale, PA 19372 or handi-crafters.org.