JAMES LILLARD

James “Jim” W Lillard, 85, of Williamstown, Mo., went home to his Lord and Savior on February 7, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family at Blessing Hospital.
Jim was born October 25, 1940 at home in rural La Belle, Missouri to Robert V. and Alice (Walker) Lillard. He graduated from Williamstown High School in 1959, Hannibal-LaGrange College in 1961, and Kirksville Teachers College in 1963. He taught at Canton, La Grange, and Williamstown High Schools before farming full time, the thing that he enjoyed most.
He married Mary Ann Plenge on June 13, 1965 at First Baptist Church in Kahoka. They celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary this past summer with family and friends.
As a man of strong faith, Jim was a lifetime and devoted member of Providence Baptist Church. As an active member he served as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher and in various other capacities. He also served on the Providence Cemetery Association and the Canton School Board.
His passion was farming and he loved driving around checking his cattle and crops. Jim enjoyed following the St. Louis Cardinals and Mizzou Basketball. He also loved spending time with family and friends playing Rook. Jim was devoted to his family and friends and the example he set through his Faith was a source of encouragement to many throughout his life.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Lillard of Williamstown, Mo.; two children: James Douglas Lillard of Overland, Mo. and Denise (Jared) Sample of Chatham, Ill.; a brother-in-law: Ralph (Mary Ann) Plenge Jr. of Kahoka, Mo; nieces and nephews, Melissa (John) Bevans, Mark (Hilary) Plenge, Matthew (Chrissy) Plenge and their families, all of Kahoka, Mo. and several cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his father and mother-in- law, Ralph and Irene Plenge, Sr.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Providence Baptist Church near Williamstown, Missouri with Pastor James Leezer officiating. 
Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 11, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at Providence Baptist Church. Music: John and Debbie Gorham. 
Pallbearers: Carl Lillard, Jonathan Walker, John Hopkins, Kent Bevans, Mark Plenge and Matt Plenge. Honorary Pallbearers: Gary Webster, Dale Stice, Tim Clapp, Justin Evans, Rex Nelson, Roger Nelson, Bobbie Doran and Bennie Scott. 
Burial will be in the Providence Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Providence Cemetery Association.
Arrangements: Arnold’s and Coder Funeral Homes.