Willard Dean Saddler

Willard Dean Saddler, 73, of Red Oak Ridge, Bluefield,WV, passed peacefully on April 26 , 2023, in Charleston, surrounded by family. Willard was born at Littlesburg on March 11, 1950 to Sidney Willard Sadler and Edith Lester Sadler. Willard was a veteran of the United States Army, serving along the DMZ in Korea during the Vietnam War. Upon his return, he worked as a truck driver for Virginia Foods, Budweiser, Coca Cola, and a dispatcher for Eagle Lines, eventually retiring from Fairmont Supply. He also got to work with his brother for a short while after retirement. Those who knew him best marveled at his ability to drive and park those big rigs. Many brides and grooms in the area know that he also enjoyed driving newlyweds to services with his horse and Amish buggy. His friends remember his days of riding his Harley and his black GTO. He loved all things horses, and enjoyed trail riding with brothers and cousins, and teaching his granddaughters how to ride. Willard was the first one to tease or joke, but he was also first to come to the rescue for his family and friends, whether it was gardening, roofing, or driving all night to reach you. He was a doting father, husband, and Papaw. He was also a member of the New Salem United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved daughter, Ashley Renee, and brothers-in-law, Billy Dyson, Jimmy Scott, Don Boerm, and Tom Mutran. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Dorothy Ohlendorf Saddler; granddaughters, Laken Autrey and husband, Brock, and Kiley Croy; sisters, Connie Scott and June Dyson; brothers, Buford Saddler (Cathy) and Timmy Saddler (DeAnna), all of the Bluefield area. They all shared a very special bond and continue to get together often. Willard is also survived by his sister-in-law, Ruth Mutran; brother in law, Jack Boerm; nieces and nephews, Sheila Thompson, and her children Hailey and Hunter, Kory, Laurel, and Arley Saddler, Dakota and Tiffany Proffitt and Joey and Killian Burks; He was uncle and godfather to Elise Saddler Bowling (Jason) and Brandon Saddler (Danielle). Funeral services will be conducted 2:00 PM Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home with Rev. Gerald Roberts officiating. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park where Timothy Saddler, Kory Saddler, Brandon Saddler, Buford Saddler, Jason Bowling and Brock Autrey will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Harold Webb, Charlie Moore, and Charlie Butcher. Military graveside services will be conducted by the Mercer County Veteran’s Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until the time of service. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.cravens-shires.com. Cravens-Shires Funeral Home is serving the Saddler family.