Stephen J. Willis, 65, of Irvine died January 7, 2009 after battling cancer. Mr. Willis was born in Peebles, OH, son of Pearl and Lucille Willis. He married Nancy Parrott in 1964. He was the senior pastor at Central Christian Church in Waukegan, IL for nine and a half years, and then senior pastor at First Christian Church in Griffith, IN. In 1977 Mr. Willis and his family moved to Irvine to begin a new congregation. He was the senior pastor at First Christian Church of Irvine for 18 years. He earned his Master’s degree from Hope International University in Fullerton. He lost his wife Nancy to cancer in 1992. He remarried in 1998 to Libia Gomez. Mr. Willis earned his private pilot’s certificate in 1994 and enjoyed flying with friends. He served as interim pastor at several churches in CA from 1998-2002, and was a chaplain for the Healthcare Chaplain’s Ministry Association from 1995-2003. He served for ten years as Orange County Fire Authority Battalion Chaplain. In 2003 he became chaplain at Irvine Regional Hospital and Medical Center where he served until December 2008. He was known for his gentle kindness, wisdom, and love for the Lord. He is survived by his wife; two daughters, Kimberly and Kristen, and step-son Diego; two brothers: Daniel and John; and 3 grandchildren: Ryan, Anne and Colby. A memorial service will be held January 17, 2009 at 11 AM at Mission Viejo Christian Church.

Steve requested that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Mission Viejo Christian Church, 27192 Jeronimo Road, Mission Viejo, CA 92692 Phone 949 465-1940