Stephen Willis

Stephen Bennett Willis, of Lake Jackson, TX, passed away March 1, 2025, in Upland, IN. His daughters, Emily MaGee (Greg), Anita Hartsock (Scott), and grandchildren, John (Grace), Bethany, and Mark MaGee sent him off with stories, love, and laughter.

Born August 22, 1941, Bennett grew up on a farm in western Tennessee. He studied chemistry at Union University and received his masters in chemistry from Georgia Tech. From there he moved to Lake Jackson, TX, to work for Dow Chemical.

Always a chemist, Bennett loved baking bread, oatmeal cookies, chocolate brownies, biscotti, . . . . He constantly tweaked his recipes and his Chocolate Muffins are still famous in some circles. He married his wife, Ann, 5 months after their first hello. They loved to host gatherings and held an annual "breakfast in the garage" for many years, serving pancakes to hundreds of friends and neighbors. Ann and Bennett tutored a number of kids through the years, and their children's friends always knew that the house was a safe space when needed. Ann passed in 2004. Bennett was introduced to Judy shortly after, and they were married in 2005.

Retiring from Dow after 30 years, Bennett started teaching at Brazosport College in 1999. He worked in the plant process training facility and taught plant operations and chemistry until 2014 when he retired again.

He enjoyed baking bread & other treats, spending time with Judy & their pets, leaving hibiscus flowers for folks who might need a smile, stalking social media, walking the neighborhood & picking up trash, and offering advice, even if you didn't ask for it.

He passed on his love of logic, science & learning, and quiet smiles to his kids and grandkids. He is survived by them, his wife, Judy, and his brother, Tom Willis (Donna). He lived his life in faith and following Christ's teachings. He was a deacon in his church, Willow Drive Baptist, for years, and was a mentor, both spiritual and educational, to many.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Brazosport College Foundation in his memory. https://www.brazosport.edu/give/

Arrangements for Stephen have been entrusted to the College Park Chapel of Armes-Hunt Life Celebration Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 4601 S. Western Avenue, Marion, IN 46953.

Chocolate Muffins by Bennett Willis

In a 2 c measuring cup mix:

1/3 c vegetable oil

1 egg

Fill with milk to 1 1/3 c line

In a separate bowl mix together:

1 3/4 c self rising flour

1/2 c sugar

1/4 c Nestle chocolate Nesquik

1 tsp cinnamon

Add wet ingredients and stir.

Pour in muffin tin. Bake at 400 for about 18 minutes. Makes 12