Wayne W. Willis, founder and longtime director of the Marion Cadets Organization, passed away Saturday, Nov. 13, 2004 in Sebring, Fla. He was 82. Willis served in the U.S. Navy/Air Force during World War II and was an esteemed member of the American Legion Post 162. Following the war he returned to Marion and helped establish the Marion Cadets. As life progressed Willis devoted his time as the editor/publisher of a newspaper in Greenville, Pa., before eventually moving to Florida. He is survived by his wife Betty Willis, of Sebring, Fla.; sister, Dolores Boles of New Bloomington, Ohio, and Virginia Baker of Delaware, Ohio. Willis' work instilled the values of discipline, integrity and respect and had a profound impact on the lives of thousands of young men and women. Marion Cadets' current director Michael King said the corps is very saddened and wishes Willis' friends and family well. The corps will be planning a tribute to Willis in the near future. Services have been held.