Carl E. Will 1924-2025

Born July 28, 1924, in Youngstown, Carl lived a life marked by service, dedication and love for family.

The son of Carl E. Will Sr. and Bessie Harbor Will, Carl grew up on West Delason Avenue in Youngstown and attended Princeton and South High Schools. He was the youngest of five siblings who preceded him, Edna Hixenbaugh, Howard Will, Helen Kleeh and Walter Will.

Carl proudly served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II, enlisting in November 1942. As a technical sergeant, he served as a radio operator and waist gunner aboard B-24 heavy bombers in the Mediterranean Theater and B-47 cargo planes in the China-Burma-India Theater. His valor earned him numerous commendations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross; EAME Theater Ribbon with five stars; the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with a Bronze Star; the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters; and a Purple Heart. He was honorably discharged in August 1945.

After the war, Carl built a career that reflected his strong work ethic and mechanical skill. He worked as a diesel locomotive engineer for Erie Lackawanna Railroad, drove school buses for the Boardman School System, and later, operated his own very successful Volkswagen repair service.

Carl was married twice, first to Mildred Arlene Barchie in 1947, who passed away in 1978, and later to Shirley Wittkugle in 1982, who preceded him in death in 2010.

He is survived by his children, Thomas E. Will (Margaret), Janet L. Daley, Patricia A. Will and Linda S. Skillman (Dave); stepdaughters, Laurie Wittkugle and Lynda Oma; 12 grandchildren, Scott Will, Michelle Hamstra, Kristy Vargo, Chad Will, Erin Pezzone, Matthew Skillman, Sarah Italiano, Jessica Skillman and Rodney, Rachael, Roxanne and Reneé Ramps; and 21 great-grandchildren.

Carl was preceded in death by his son, David E. Will.

Carl will be remembered for his quiet strength, devotion to family and unwavering patriotism. His legacy lives on in the generations he helped shape and the community he served.

The family wishes to thank The Inn at Ironwood and the Briarfield Place staff, friends and loved ones for their support and prayers.

Family and friends may call 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, at Davis-Becker Funeral Home, 8536 Market St., Boardman.

A memorial service will begin at 1 p.m. Nov. 14 at the funeral home, with the Rev. David Watkins officiating, followed by military honors conducted by the U.S. Army and Ellsworth VFW Post 9571 at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 5400 Market St., Boardman.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that material tributes take the form of contributions in Carl’s memory to American Legion Columbiana Post #290, 44403 state Route 14, Columbiana, OH 44408; or the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to share memories and condolences with Carl’s family.

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