Thomas Willing

Thomas Willing, 78, of 631 E. Broad St., Tamaqua, died Saturday in the St. Luke's Miners Memorial Medical Center, Coaldale. He was the husband of Josephine J. (Moravek) Willing. They were married for 22 years.

He owned and operated the former Willings Bar, Tamaqua, 1972-84. Previously, he was an organizer for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and a loader for the No. 10 and No. 9 collieries, Coaldale.

Born in the Seek section of Coaldale, he was a son of the late Evan and Catherine (Gallagher) Willing.

He was a member of First Congregational Church, Coaldale.

Willing was an Army veteran of World War II, having served in the artillery and participated in the Battle of the Bulge. He was a recipient of four Bronze stars.

A 1943 graduate of Coaldale High School, the deceased was a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars posts, both of Coaldale; a past commander of the VFW Post,Tamaqua; and a member of the Tamaqua Elks and Senior Citizens.

Surviving in addition to his widow are nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Evan, Eugene and Emanuel; and three sisters, Susan Evans, Margaret Brown and Mammie Brennan.

The E. Franklin Griffiths and Robert C. Reeser Funeral Home, 655 E. Broad St., Tamaqua, is in charge of the arrangements.