Connel Willis Has Passed Away

Connel A. Willis, a revered and well-respected trainer-driver residing in Steger, Illinois, passed away Sunday, March 24, 2024, at the age of 89. Connel was a vital part of the Illinois harness racing scene for more than six decades and was elected in the Illinois Harness Racing Hall of Fame in December 1987. Born July 16, 1934, Connel amassed 2,266 driving wins and $9, 234,773 in earnings, and as a trainer garnered 819 triumphs and $914,299. He is best known for his partnership with the immortal trotter Gumcorner Lad t, 4, 1:56.2 ($669,128) and the pacer Taurus Bomber p, 5, 1:54.3 ($451,356), as well as countless other Prairie State champions. Connel was the beloved husband of Helen Willis, and loving father to Connel “Chuck” Willis, Jr., the late Joyce Black, Judy Gern, Cliff (Jill) Willis, Melinda (Doug) Warriner, the late Loretta Willis and stepfather to Tami (Andy) Galbreath. Connel left behind 19 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren, and his brother Nelson. He was preceded in death by his parents James E. Willis and Letha Dexter Morrison, siblings Luther, Jessie, Clyde Elisie, Mary Bell, Alta May and Ollie Pearl, as well as by a great many horses and dogs.

Visitation is Monday, April 1^st from 3 to 8 pm at Smits Funeral Homes-Steger Memorial Chapel, 3045 Chicago Road, Steger, IL 60575. Funeral service to be held Tuesday, April 2 at Smits Funeral Homes-Steger Memorial Chapel, followed by interment at Skyline Memorial Chapel, Monee, IL.  Click here for more. Obituary | Connel A. Willis of Steger, Illinois | Smits Funeral Homes Ltd. (smitsfh.com)