On April 13, 2015, Willard DeRouen shed the chains of his earthly body and flew into the arms of Jesus. He is survived by his two children, Denis (Liza) and Paula (Randy), four grandchildren and ten great-children. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and nine siblings. A Mass will be held at Holy Apostles Catholic Church in Meridian Thursday April 16 at 11:00 AM followed, by a lunch and a graveside service at 2:00 PM at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in Boise. Services are under the direction of Accent Funeral Home, Meridian.Willard loved life and people, and was blessed with an optimistic and happy-go-lucky personality that put a kick in the life of everyone he met. He was a loving husband, father and the best grandpa and great-grandpa ever. Family was his number one priority. He never was too busy for his family and was often found on the floor playing with his children. When the grandchildren and great-grandchildren came along, he had a new set of playmates and special nicknames for each. Willard was born on September 27, 1921 in Hayes, Louisiana to Telesphore and Marie Racca DeRouen. As the youngest of ten children, he grew up during a time when houses did not have running water, central heating or electricity. Willie talked about laundry on a scrub board, churned butter and a wood stove for cooking. He and his brother maintained a large garden that provided most of their food. His dad raised cotton and rice. At 18, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps and worked in Louisiana and Council, Idaho. Willie enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1940 and served in the South Pacific during World War II. He loved the Air Force and stayed in the military 26 years, retired in 1967 and then worked for the Bureau of Reclamation for 16 years. In 1950, Willie married his sweetheart, Sarita Angel. They were transferred to Gifu, Japan in 1952. While stationed in Japan, they adopted a charming little boy, Denis. Shortly, after returning to the States, their daughter, Paula was born. Willard and Sarita moved to Idaho in 1963, where they finished raising their family in the Boise area. After Sarita died in 2007, Willie lived in an independent living facility where he had the time of his life making friends, telling his stories to a new audience and flirting with the ladies. The man was the George Clooney of his facility!Willie will be missed by his family and friends alike. Appreciation is extended Dr. Andrew Chai and Anna McCreath and Dr. Catherine Leavitt for their love and compassion.Dad, we will remember all you have done for us. We are proud and honored to have been your family. Your legacy lives on. -