George W. Willoughby

George W. Willoughby, age 55, retired Michigan State Trooper of Caseville, died Saturday, March 1, at his home from multiple heart and lung problems.
He was born October 16, 1947 in Ann Arbor and grew up in Monroe with his parents, the late Harold and Doris Willoughby.
After high school, he studied Chemical Engineering at Northern Michigan University on a football scholarship. After a serious knee injury his interest took a turn toward law enforcement. In 1969, on his 21st birthday he applied and was accepted into the 76th Recruit School. He was first assigned to the St. Clair Post in December of 1969 and was nominated Trooper of the Year in 1972. In 1973, he was transferred Grand Haven and to Rockford in 1974. In 1975, he was assigned to duty in Lansing, working in various capacities, including his assistance in the development of the Automated Major Case System, he was a consultant with the investigation of such notorious cases as the Son of Sam killings and the Hilltop Strangler amoung others. He was promoted to sergeant in 1981 and assigned to the Sandusky Post. Then in 1986 he came to the Bad Axe Post and became a very active part of the Elkton Community, which he had done in every community that he had been assigned. He was the chairman of the Huron County Youth Advisory Board, spent many hours renovating the building that’s now known as the Huron Youth Center. He served on the Elkton Village Council and became Mayor. In 1991, he was again nominated Trooper of the Year. In 1993, he became a Lieutenant, assigned to Gladwin and in 1994, a First Lieutenant serving in East Tawas. After retiring, in 1995, George returned to Huron County settling in Caseville where he enjoyed Saginaw Bay, fishing and boating.
Surviving are his daughter, Brandi (Chris) Johnston of Johnstown, OH; his son Skip Willoughby of East Pointe; two grand children, Blake and Rilee and two brothers, Cal Lane of North Carolina and Fredrick Willoughby of Nevada.
A funeral service will be conducted 11:00 Saturday, March 8, at the Champagne Funeral Chapel, Elkton where the Caseville Eagles will conduct their ritual at 7:00 PM, Friday.
Friends may call from 7 to 9 PM Friday evening and after 10 AM Saturday.
Memorials may by directed to the family.