Longtime harness racing industry participant Robert "Evan" Wills of Odessa, Ont. passed away peacefully at the Kingston Health Sciences Centre with his loving family by his side on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at the age of 89. 

Son of the late Thomas and Gladys Wills, Evan was born and raised in Morton, Ont. He thoroughly enjoyed his 31 years at MTO as a welder, but his true passion was being owner and operator of his sound company R.E. Wills Sound Systems for over 65 years. His business took him to many fairs and events throughout the years which he thoroughly enjoyed, many roads were travelled and many friendships were made. Evan was also extremely handy, he built starting gates and was the starting judge for many Standardbred horse races. He was a true gentleman and will be greatly missed.

Beloved husband of Mary Jane (née Chapman) for 40 years. Predeceased by his loving first wife Glenda (née Foley), his children Bob Wills, Mary Ostrom and Evie Wills, his brother Lawrence and sisters Isabel, Inez and Edith. Dear father of  Bill Wills (Lyn), Cindy Tye (Dennis) and Jamie Wills (Melissa), proud step-father of Mark Rollins (Shelley) and Traci Beauchamp (John), and father-in-law of Shelley Wills. Sadly missed by his grandchildren Kimberley, Josh, Courtney (Adam), Travis (Sonja), Tara, Melissa, Kayla, Gage, Lucas, Madison, Lauryn and Carter, and eight great grandchildren. Fondly remembered by his sister-in-law Eileen Thomson, his brother-in-law Ted Chapman, and by many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at Payne Funeral Home (178 Main St., Odessa) on Friday, March 27 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at St. Alban’s Anglican Church (67 Main St., Odessa) on Saturday, March 28 at 2 p.m. Interment will be held at St. John’s Anglican Cemetery in Lyndhurst on Tuesday, March 31 at 2 p.m.

The family wishes to thank family and friends for their love and support. Also special thanks to the Doctors, Nurses, and staff at KHSC for the exceptional care they provided to Evan. For those desiring, memorial donations to St. Alban’s Anglican Church in Odessa or the Odessa Agricultural Society would be appreciated by the family.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Evan Wills.