Gaylord Grow Willis, 49, of Crestview Road in Slippery Rock Township died Wednesday at Hamot Medical Center, Erie.

Born in Hazelton, April 28, 1956, he was the son of the late Melvin Russell Willis and the late Jean Philbrook Willis

Prior to his disability, he was a United Methodist minister and had ministered at churches in Brookville and Kingsville. Since his retirement, he remained active in the church in a wide range of activities.

He was a lifetime member of Slippery Rock United Methodist Church.

Mr. Willis received a bachelor's degree in geography from Slippery Rock State College, later called Slippery Rock University, in 1979. He received his master of divinity degree from Drew Theological School at Drew University in New Jersey in the 1990s.

He was active in the leadership of Slippery Rock area Boy Scout troops for many years. He was an avid collector and trader of Boy Scout patches.

Surviving are his former wife, Ellen L. Unger Willis of Blue Ridge Summit, Franklin County; a daughter, Megan L. Willis of Blue Ridge Summit; and two brothers, John Russell Willis (and Margaret Rogers) of Maplewood, N.J., and Clyde Milford Willis of Red Lion, York County.

WILLIS — Friends of Gaylord Grow Willis, who died Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2005, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 421 New Castle St., Slippery Rock. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Slippery Rock United Methodist Church with the Rev. Pamela Gardner officiating. Burial will be at Slippery Rock Cemetery.Memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 E. 33rd St., Suite 1100, New York, NY 10016.